Stephen and Melissa

August has come and gone..and wait so has September. Shoot!

2009-09-03T11:12:00.010-06:00

How terrible am I? Here I go making all these big plans to update you all every month and I miss two in a row! With no excuses either.

Summer is now officially over. I can't complain at all, we had the most wonderful September. Only in the last week has it started to look a little dreary outside. I don't mind though. I like the rain most days. The only problem is that it makes me want to sit inside with my lights glowing, with a blanket, a cup of tea, some soup cooking on the stove and a good book.

Our Summer was jam packed full of stuff. Looking back I would have to say that this has been our busiest summer yet. But it was great. August was also full of lots of fun things. Most of August was filled with slow pitch games, tennis, and spending as much time outside as possible.

The last week in July we spent a week of holidays with our friends Dave & Juliegh Clarke up in Fort St. John BC and area.

It was a fantastic trip! There is so much to see and do up there. We could have spent months. If you like the outdoors it is the place to visit. We spent a few days in Fort St. John itself as Dave's family owns a farm there. We enjoyed quading and campfires.

At the farm
Taking a break from Quading
What happens when you go Quading
Our entertainment for an afternoon:)

We then travelled farther up north to Moberly Lake/Tumbler Ridge. We did a few days of hiking and enjoyed Dave's grandparents cabin. We ended up spending our last night in Edmonton, spent the day at the mall and then came home.

Dave's Grandparents Cabin

Family Photo at Kinuseo Falls
Tumbler Ridge, Hike up to the Stone Corral

And then all of a sudden September came along and our life starts back up again! Our Snr High youth kick off up at Camp Kadesh this year was great. We had the most amazing weather, so we were able to spend most of our time on the boats in the water. A lot of the kids that come on the trip don't get the opporunity to enjoy such a beautiful place and so it is also nice to see them having such a good time. The speaking was great (I have to say that becuase it is my husband and I'm biast! haha) The music was great, our youth group put together a team of their own and did such a great job! And all around we had a wonderful time. It was a great way to kick off our youth programs.

Girls getting ready to go for a tube ride

We made Roll Kuchen for the first time at Kadesh this year

to say it was a hit would be an understatement. We had full out cheering!

The whole gang

This year we combined all of our programs on one night, so we do Jnr. High and Snr High on one night. Jnr. High starts at 6:30-8:00pm and Snr High starts at 7:30-9:30pm. It has been working out really well. We are now into the full swing of things. Once month is behind us, many more to go! Looking forward to what adventures this new year brings for us!

Just July

2009-08-05T21:25:00.022-06:00

July was a fabulous month.

Much of it was spent travelling, some of it together, some of it not. Stephen was off in Trinidad for 10 days with Samaritan's Purse at the beginning of July. He took 3 of our own students with him along with another leader. The house stayed so clean while Stephen was gone...but he was greatly missed!

We were able to spend some time up at Jackfish Lake once Stephen came home which is always enjoyable. The first weekend we took our grade twelve graduates up for a mini camping trip. The mosquitos were horrible, but we had a great time around the campire and at the beach. We taught the kids how to do some "Tim Tam Slams"

I looked up the definition on Wiki...it is pretty great.

"The Tim Tam Slam is the practice of drinking a beverage by sucking it through a Tim Tam, an Australian chocolate-covered biscuit, with both of the ends bitten off.
Ideally, the inside of the biscuit should collapse but the outside should remain intact. Just before the biscuit falls apart, it is placed in the mouth."

Anyway....

We also went up again the weekend following to Jackfish Lake with our good friends Dave and Juliegh Clarke. We were eaten alive againby mosquitos while shooting a twilight round of golf. Unfortunately I have no pictures to document the event, but it was absolutely ridiculous. Stephen's grandparents Trevor and Norma Quinn are always very hospitable and fun to be around. I don't think we will make it to the lake again before they go back home, but I look forward to next summer already!

Our travels then took us to Kelowna! Oh what a glorious land that is! I love BC. We spent 8 wonderful days with the Reid Clan, all 6 of us this time! Maegan is back from Australia and is now living at my Mom and Dad's and so we were all able to spend time together (which is very rare these days).

The weather was hotter than hot. 40 degrees almost every day. So we spent most of our time by a lake or pool. We did some day trips to Peachland and Sicamous. Hit up a winery. Did a little shopping. A little cooking. SUCH a good holiday.

Enjoy the pictures from July!

ROCK is dead...Long Live Paper & Scissors!

2009-06-25T22:04:00.007-06:00

I've decided to blog again.

I can't explain what changed my mind, but it was either toss the blog or start writing again.
But, due to the extremely busy schedule that I have the updates will be monthly. Hence, "monthly musings"

Every month I will try and re-cap what has happened in our lives, with pictures and stories.
Hopefully that will allow family and friends far away to keep up to date with what is happening in our oh so exciting lives :) (or the lack of excitment...whichever)

Life has been flying by ever so quickly. Summer felt like it just began and now is wasting away. Stephen and I have yet to take any holidays yet. But oh so soon! In a week we leave to visit the bountiful province of British Columbia to see my family for an entire week! We will frolic among the fruit trees, laze around on the beach and eat my Mom's amazing food.
We will also be taking another week of fun at the end of August with our good friends the Clarke's up north in Fort St. John. We will be doing some camping, hiking, quading, and many more fun outdoor activities.

So here begins our monthly musings...stay tuned.

Its been a long time....

2008-11-01T11:37:00.007-06:00

So its been awhile...yikes! I was checking other people's blogs and realized how frustrating it is when you check and there is STILL nothing new! haha And then realized...that is me:)
So here are some new pictures of whats been happening in the month of October. I know I skipped all of summer, but its just too hard to back track that far!

Halloween Night...Daryl and Dawn and Libby came over (as well as Dave and Juliegh) and we hung out. Libby and I are "pretend sleeping"

The cutest little trick-or-treater ever:)

Our pumpkins we carved-these are mine

And these are Stephen's...can you tell he likes the Canucks

Stephen carving...oh so concentrated

Our house during Thanksgiving/Fall

Thanksgiving weekend we went out with our friends Dave and Juliegh to the Pain's family farm to enjoy turkey dinner, hang out and shoot some skeets! It was a blast!

Playing a good ol' game of horse shoes

All bundled up on a chilly fall day:)

Juliegh and I playing horse shoes-unfortunately Stephen and I lost

Stephen and Grace on a walk around the farm

Checking out where they used to keep the elk on the farm

Stephen practicing being a father one day:) haha

My friend Tamarah asked Stephen and I if we would be her models for some wedding pictures as she is starting her own photography business! We said yes of course, and on Thanksgiving weekend we got together and took these great photos! It was SO much fun and we are so happy with how they turned out!
visit her website at www.tamarahleannephotography.blogspot.com

Hopefully it won't be another 6 months before I post again:) hahah Sorry guys!

Jordan Receiving his diploma!

2008-06-15T08:04:00.003-06:00

Jordan Graduates!!!!!

2008-06-14T22:58:00.002-06:00

New House!

2008-06-07T15:55:00.006-06:00

I have finally gotten around to posting pictures on here of our new place!! I have posted photos on facebook but didn't have the time to do it again.

Here it is! We've been really happy here and we love it...I'm so thankful that God brought us this place. We have been able to work out on the yard and plant, which I have been wanting to do for such a long time. Enjoy the pictures!

Our bedroom

Another view of the bedroom-I love the hardwood floors

The kitchen

Another view of the kitchen

Living room-this isn't an updated picture as we have gotten new furniture and put up pictures..but you get the idea

Bathroom

Mom-this one is for you! This is after we cleaned it up! Doesn't it look WAY better

The other side of the house after it was fixed up....new bark chips and plants!

This used to be a jungle and we dug it up and I'm planning on putting some hosta's and ferns in there and not sure what else yet

The beautiful tree in our neighbors yard...I was waiting for weeks to see it bloom and it finally did! It was well worth the wait

Moving, weddings, youth, visiting parents....we've been busy!

2008-05-11T21:26:00.005-06:00

A photo essay...

On our way to the Saskatoon Motor Speedway on Mothers Day since we were both motherless! (A guy I work with and his wife race!)

I figure I should be in the pictures now and then!

At the speedway!

The greatest guy ever:) What a catch!

Jnr High youth Gladiator night event...a ton of work but lots of fun!

Like I said...he's quite a catch:) haha Stephen's gladiator outfit, the 80's style

One of our volunteers Steve and myself...I know, its a lot of spandex:)

The Gladiator team

Mom and Dad came a week ago for our friends wedding and stayed with us in our new place
Here we are out for ice cream at Jerry's, which is now nice and close to us!

My beautiful mother!

Pops and I

Right before they left:(

So...things have been busy! I still need to post some new photos of the new place, those will be coming once everything is in order here...some things still aren't where I want them to be!

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

The Surprise Visit Video

2008-02-27T19:36:00.003-06:00

Sorry that you can't see Mom very well as its really dark, but you get the screaming and the freaking out!!!
I LOVE surprises!

New Hair Cut, Surprise Visits, Canucks and Giant Bruises!

2008-02-27T18:58:00.008-06:00

Hey Everybody! I know its been SUCH a long time since I've written in here and posted pictures of whats going on in our lives. The title pretty much lets ya know we've been SUPER busy with a million things. In the last month we've been away 3 weekends out of the four, so we haven't had much down time. We hit up the Spa in Moose Jaw at the beginning of February with my work. Tom, my boss took all of us front staff to the spa to enjoy some relaxation. It was great, and I got to take Stephen along so we had a bit of time to ourselves.

The weekend after, we drove to Kelowna on a last minute decision to surprise my parents! Steve Pain, a friend and youth leader of ours was driving out to Vancouver to go to a conference for his work and was going to drive straight through Kelowna!! So he asked us if we wanted to hitch a ride. So we made the long trek to spend a few days with Mom, Dad and Jordan. It was a blast and well worth seeing my Mom's face as I was standing in her doorway! Priceless.
They put me right to work on their house for the few days I was there! As the pictures document, I helped grout tile and paint. It was hard work but fun to spend time with my parents. Stephen ended up going the rest of the way with Steve, and scored some tickets to a Vancouver Canucks game!! It has been one of his childhood dreams to see the Canucks play at GM Place and he finally got to go! He was SO excited and I'm glad he got to go.

The weekend after that we ended up going to the spa in Moose Jaw again as an appreciation to all of our Jnr and Snr High leaders. It was great to be able to bless them, take them out to dinner and to relax in the spa! Stephen ended up going to Table Mountain to snow board for the first time, resulting in a HUGE bruise from a fall he took. Just glad he's alive:)

And now here we are at the end of February already! I can't believe how fast this year has already gone...lots more to come.

snow covered mountains

Stephen in his glory (not sure what Canuck this is?)

The giant bruise...how does one person do this to themselves?

Dad workin' hard at the house

Taking a lunch break at the new house

My parents the greatest:)

The new house...its lookin' good!

Just a little sunny...

still sunny:)

The new brunette do!

Birthday Fun

2008-01-14T21:27:00.000-06:00

For my birthday this year Stephen and I and our good friends went out to Earls for some fun. It was a blast and it was a great way to celebrate 23 years!

I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas...

2007-12-08T22:04:00.000-06:00

Its been freezing here in Saskatchewan...I'm looking forward to some warmer weather. I can't seem to get over how cold it is here in this province.

I am looking forward to Christmas this year, Stephen and I are driving to Kelowna to spend some time with my family there. What makes it even more special is that my sister is flying from Australia to come and visit for 5 weeks. She gets here this coming Monday night, and I can't wait. Looking forward to some time off of work, as things have been quite busy which makes for no down time!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas season, and that you are continually reminded of the remarkable gift we were given and that you are blessed by Jesus and his love for us!

40 kids + 11 hours at West Ed Mall=madness!!!

2007-12-08T21:40:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago Stephen and I took 40 jnr high kids between 6th and 8th grade to West Edmonton Mall for the weekend. It is always a fun, high energy weekend...filled with only small amounts of stress:) All the kids had a great time, so did our leaders and we all came back in one piece, happy and healthy!

What girls do best-hair:)

Saturday Movie Night

Love ya Cheryl! What would we do without you!

Seriously...are we not the coolest??? We sure did buy matching shirts...

Dave had mandarin oranges coming out of everywhere that weekend...

Our leaders hard at work:)

Carissa and I

Weekend Getaway

2007-11-15T23:00:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I'm posting so quickly after my last post! haha It is probably because I have some pictures to add along to it, which we all know makes it that much better and interesting:)

This past weekend Stephen surprised me on Saturday morning and had all of my bags already packed and in the car and we headed off to Edmonton! I had no idea that he had been planning the trip for quite some time. We had this Sunday off from church so that was why we were able to take off for the long weekend.

He had a hotel booked, places to go eat, to go shop all planned out. It was a blast and a really great time for us to reconnect and enjoy spending time together that was just for us:)

Did a little Ikea, a little bit outlet stores, and of course West Edmonton Mall where we hit up the water park for the afternoon and Cinzeo (my FAVORITE cinnamon bun store EVER). We got all of our Christmas shopping done which was a plus!

Here are some pics as promised!

Out for dinner

At the hotel before going out to shop til' we drop!

I had to take a picture of Chucke Cheese...haha I didn't even know they had these out there still!!!!

My hot husband...look at that model stare

The Office?? I want my baby back baby back baby back ribs...!!

So in love:)

Thanks babe for the amazing weekend away together! I love you and appreciate you more than you know.

More Photos from the last few months...

2007-11-07T18:53:00.001-06:00

My visit to Mom and Dad's in Kelowna-Oct 07

Beautiful Kelowna...such a great view

Mom and I visiting a winery in Kelowna

Me and Pops...

The 55th Parr Anniversary Party-me being the host

Stephen and I at the Partay

Me and my co-workers...Don Pogoda and Tamarah

Chateau Frontenac-on our visit to Montreal this summer

My sister in law Maureen and I in Montreal

Montreal-at this really sweet water park

oops...upside down. Some cool buildings in Montreal

Stephen in Quebec City

Montreal

Some more of our photo shoot this fall

Photo Shoot...

Jordan stayed with us for 2 weeks after camp this summer before he moved out to Kelowna with Mom and Dad...it was a blast:)

Back from the Dead...

2007-11-03T00:34:00.001-06:00

I hardly doubt that anyone actually reads this thing anymore...which makes sense because for the longest time, my template wouldn't work and reading my blog was rather impossible. S0, I decided to change that. After much laziness, I finally decided to get off my butt and fix my blog and maybe write a few words and add just a few more pictures.

Life has been swell. Lots of things going on, lots to be thankful for. In the last couple of months, or more like last summer (I think that is seriously the last time I posted....I'm on facebook now, cut me some slack!) we've been travelling to Montreal to visit Stephen's brother and sister in law, Stephen travelled to SanDiego for a conference and I visited my parents in Kelowna.

Before I babble on forever...here are a few pictures

Photo shoot with my friend Sharee Klassen

80's day at work for Halloween

Anybody Want A House?

2007-07-16T20:56:00.000-06:00

So our place that we are renting the basement in is going on the market this week... Our landlord has finally finished all of the reno's and is putting it on the market. We just wanted to show everyone what the main floor looks like, and some pictures of our little place in the basement:)

Here's a snapshot of what 350K will getcha in Saskatoon these days... (that is what our landlord is asking for the house currently)

Julia Graduates!

2007-06-20T23:02:00.001-06:00

This past weekend we spent some time in Caronport celebrating the coolest sister in law ever graduation! As you'll see in the pictures, she looked absolutely amazing. She is a stunning woman, and along with that she has an amazing personality. She has a heart of gold and is one of the most compassionate people I have met. She has a heart to help others and it is so evident!

I love her very much and am so proud of her! Congratulations Julia, you are loved and we are so glad we could be there for your special day!

At the hair salon having a blast!

Isn't her dress amazing? And isn't she amazing in it!!!

The entire Thiessen family together again!

Until next time...

Saying goodbye

2007-05-22T07:01:00.000-06:00

A week yesterday Dad finally left for BC...my Mom and brother Jordan are still around until the end of June. Saying goodbye was extremely hard, and I miss him so much already. It has been great having Mom around for a bit longer! We have been trying to spend as much time together as possible.

Here are a few pictures from our last evening together before Dad left...we went out for dinner at Montana's and had such a fun, crazy night. I'm surprised we didn't get thrown out of the restaurant, we were really loud! Wish you could have been there Maeg! We missed you...and love you SO much!!!

Bye bye 26 Albany Crescent

They NEVER smile nice when we want them too...

STILL...they cannot both smile

hoodlums...haha

Signs of Spring...and soon to be Summer!

2007-05-09T19:08:00.000-06:00

Little toesies....
Enjoying the sun....love you Mom!
Playing with my camera...Mom's tulips in bloom

Halleluiah for green again!!

Enjoy the pics.....I finally posted!

Still alive and kickin'

2007-04-21T11:00:00.000-06:00

So it's been a few weeks since I've had the chance to put anything up here. Life has been extremely hectic and busy...and blogging was just another thing on my list I couldn't get finished so I called it quits for a bit. I finally was able to get caught up and check everyone elses blog...it is good to be back.

The new job is going well, it keeps me busy 24/7 but I love the work. Every new day it gets easier and I feel more at home. Our trip to Mexico last week went AWESOME! It was a blast and taught all of us so many lessons. It was just a huge blessings to be apart of. Stephen had been quite busy leading up to the trip as well...now that it is over we are in the home stretch for youth programs. I can't believe a year of ministry has almost flown by! We will be going into our second really soon....which is really exciting!

While we were gone on our trip to Mexico, our kitchen was replaced in our basement suite. We came home to mouths hanging open...it looks beautiful and 100% better than before. Stephen and I both love it and are so appreciative of the work the guys did and how they accomodated us. Its that much more fun to cook in the kitchen with nice pull out drawers, a double sink, and nice new counter tops!

I'll end with some pictures of Mexico. We have about 500 more, but here are just a few sneak peeks!

Why I Love Hockey Fans... from Stephen.

2007-03-03T17:13:00.000-06:00

For those scoring at home, this is my second post. Of all time. Ever. And while I won't talk Canucks, I will talk hockey...

Came across this little video today, and whether you are a sports fan or not, I'm pretty sure you'll get a kick out of this. I was still laughing out loud the third time around.

It's a short video diary of the life of "Clark, the Canadian Hockey Goalie", from Moose Jaw, Saskaaaaatchewan. Seeing as I have no idea what I'm doing, I'm just gonna post the link to go see the clip, but trust me, it's worth your time.

... besides. Haven't you ever wondered about where the term "you hoser" came from anyway?

Enjoy!

http://pwmartin.blog.uvm.edu/archives/2007/02/hockey_and_base.html

- Stephen

Meet Venom

2007-02-17T09:19:00.000-06:00

Stephen and I took on the BIG task of dogsitting this little tiny Dog Venom:) Our friends went away for the weekend, and so they left us in charge of this little guy. He is gone now-and I miss him already! It was a blast having him around the house and being able to come home to someone waging their tail at you all happy to see you! Stephen and I concluded that this was definitely good practice for having our own dog and also for all those kids we are going to have down the road! haha

He apparently didn't want to sleep in his dog bed! He curled up right away in the bed...and we coudln't get him out-so we took a picture instead!
Seriously-isn't he the cutest thing!
Cuddling with Stephen in the morning-he would just jump up there and crawl right by his head! haha
The official 'morning licking'

Just hangin' out

A little love

2007-02-17T09:10:00.000-06:00

This year Stephen planned a little Valentines Day extravaganza for me. He never fails to pull something amazing off! The story begins...I woke up to rose petals all over the bathroom with a cute little note on the mirror with some chocolates:)

I went off to work and found more rose petals at my desk at work with a single rose and a card! He he pulled that off I have no idea! Then upon returning home from work, this was sitting waiting for me on the table letting me know I needed to be 'dressed to kill' in Stephen's words cause we were going out-to 2nd Avenue Grill!

Stephen looking sauve after dinner in his new suitSelf Portrait

Timed Portrait

Hope you all had a wonderful day of love!!!

The start of another week...

2007-02-12T13:15:00.000-06:00

Monday afternoon-and I'm having a pretty good Monday actually! Monday's would probably be my least favorite day as my husband gets that day off every week and I am off to work for 8:00AM! It especially kills when it is -31 outside:)
Crazy as it sounds, I bundled up at lunch and walked to the mall to treat myself to a Cinnamon Dolce Latte at Starbucks and check out the shops. It was a little chilly, but there was no wind chill which really helped! It felt good to get out and get some exercise and walk...I cannot wait until this cold spell ends and Stephen and I can get out of the house in the evenings and walk a little bit. Staying couped up for so long doesn't sit well with us!

So much news to share with you all...I don't even know where to start. Our lifes have done somewhat of a 180 these past few weeks. First things first...I quit my job that I have been working at for 2 1/2 years now. God, in all his creativeness and craziness dropped a job opportunity into my lap that I could not refuse! I am so amazed at how perfect his timing is and how well he knows my heart. Basically I was offered a job...a better job for me in every way. More pay, full time hours, and lots of opporunity to grow and be challenged, which lately I had not been feeling like I was challenged at all or growing in my work environment. I wasn't even looking for a job at all...God just placed it there infront of me. So I have given my 2 weeks notice, and as of February 26 I will be working at Parr Autobody full time managing the front the office! I am really excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time. I know this is where God wants me to be, so I am trusting him that he will give me the wisdom and ability to learn everything I need to!

As if this wasn't a big enough decision for Stephen and I...another one will be coming up shortly. Our landlord is selling the house we are renting. Therefore, there are many changes ahead for us. As of right now, we have until June before our landlord puts the house up for sale. If the house sells, there is a possibility we can continue to rent the house if the person buying is only looking for an opportunity to invest. If not, then we will need to find a new place to live. We have given much thought into buying a house, and will continue to pray about it. We are really at a loss for what we are going to do. You can pray that it gets figured out.

Amongst all of these big decisions, I have been hugely struggling with my family leaving in the next 4 1/2 months. It has been such a hard process for me to go through. Stephen recommended a book for me to read...partly to help understand my feelings about everything that has been happening in my family in the past few months.

The book is called Shattered Dreams-God's Unexpected Pathway to Joy by Larry Crabb. The back of the book says this: "Shattered dreams, "writes Dr. Larry Crabb, "are never random. They are always a piece in a larger puzzle, a chapter in a larger story. The Holy Spirit uses the pain of shattered dreams to help us discover our desire for God, to help us begin dreaming the highest dream. They are ordained opportunities for the Spirit first to awaken, then to satisfy our highest dream."
To help you understand this neglected truth in the deepest and most helpful way, Larry Crabb has written a wise, hopeful, honest, and realistic examination of life's difficulties and tragedies. He wraps his insights around the bold story of Naomi in the Bible's book of Ruth.
As Crabb retells and illuminates this sometimes disturbing and often profoundly touching story, we are shown how God stripped Naomi of happiness in order to prepare her for joy. And we gain an unforgettable picture of how God uses shattered dreams to release better dreams and a more fulfilling life for those He loves.
Shattered dreams have the power to change our lives for good. Forever.

I haven't even gotten through half of the book, but already I relate to every single word. Some things are hard to swallow in the book...realities that I never wanted to believe, but it has been so helpful for me. Just last night I was reading and something jumped out at me...He talked about six lessons that we can learn from the story of Naomi in the Bible.
Lesson One: Our fondest dreams for this life, the ones we naturally believe are essential to our happiness, must be fully abandoned if we are to know God well. Shattered dreams are necessary for Spiritual Growth.
Lesson Two: Shattered Dreams produce excruitiating pain. Something wonderful survives everything terrible , and it surfaces most clearly when we hurt.
Lesson Three: Some dreams important to us will shatter, and the realization that God could have fulfilled that dream pushes us into a terrible battle with him.
Lesson Four: Only an experience of deep pain develops our capacity for recognizing and enjoying true life.
Lesson Five: Not many Christians drink deep from the well of living water. As a result, our worship, our community, and our witness are weak.
Lesson Six: When good dreams shatter-better ones are there to newly value and persue. No matter what happens in life, a wonderful dream is available always, that if persued will generate an unfamiliar, radically new internal experience. That experience, strange at first, will eventually be recognized as joy.
This was the thing that stuck out to me the most. When our dreams that we have shatter...new dreams will come! New dreams that if we persue them, will bring joy into our livs. That we can move on, that we can dream again! The hard part is letting go of those experiences and dreams that we feel necessary for happiness. How true-that in our minds we feel like there needs to be dreams or things that happen in ours that should make us happy. That our lives depend on them happening.
I strongly recommend reading this book-for anyone who has a hard time in this area-like myself.
If I continue this post will be so long, your eyes will hurt by the time you finish-if any of you actually end up finishing it. Thanks for listening to my two cents...

All chopped off...

2007-02-06T21:58:00.000-06:00

Yes folks...its true, my husband has chopped ALL his hair off. Nada, no more. Well, I suppose it isn't all his hair-it just ended up being a buzz cut, but to me it feels like all his hair.
Let me explain how this all came to be...
In church 2 weeks ago, it was announced that a girl in our church had raised the $5000 that she was hoping to go towards children with AIDS in Africa. She had promised that when she reached this goal, she would shave all her hair off! And she did! It looks great, and the hair she cut off was able to be sent to Locks with Love (I think that is what it is called). WELL...2 weeks ago in church as Stephen was announcing this wonderful news, someone piped up and asked him how much it would cost to shave Stephen's head. Stephen got a little nervous and didn't know what to say, as I wasn't in church that Sunday. After the service, a young man in our church came up to Stephen and told him he would give $1000 to the AIDS cause if Stephen shaved his head...and Stephen agreed! So this past Saturday...after some special moments with Stephen's hair (hahaha)...we shaved it all off. Check out the pics:) Thanks Mom for the great haircut...your a pro at the buzz cut!
Stephen LOVES the new hair..and is planning on keeping it for awhile. I'm starting to get used to it! He looks like such a different person than when we first got married. I am so proud of him and all the weight he has lost (100 pounds for those that aren't aware!). He is a very determined man, and his dedication to losing the weight and getting healthy was astounding! You look awesome Stephen and I love you so much! (and yes...I do like the new hair!)

Before
A little nervous to take the plunge

The hairdresser and her subject:)

Halfway there...
The finished product:)

Please Pray

2007-01-26T15:06:00.000-06:00

My family just found out some not so great news today. My Grandpa George, who was diagnosed with cancer in his kidney is in the hospital right now, and has been given 1-3 months left to live. The cancer on one of his kidneys has now spread throughout his lymphnodes, and the kidney not affected by cancer is also failing. Please pray for his salvation...he does not have a personal relationship with Jesus.

God is faithful...he will carry us through.

Hanging out with the office

2007-01-12T13:04:00.000-06:00

As most of you have read on almost every Saskatchewan blog about "The Blizzard of 2007" as the radio likes to call it...I have decided to spare you the details again:) Besides the huge amounts of blowing snow, we faired pretty good. We obviously didn't leave the house that night, and in the meantime watched the entire second season of "The Office". I will be honest...I am addicted to this show. I never have really had the time to check it out, or watch any of the episodes...and boy was I missing out. They are in their 3rd season right now, and airs on Thursday nights on NBC at 7:30PM.

I work in an office myself, so watching this show makes me appreciate it even more! It is funny, stupid, and extremely entertaining. The show stars Steve Carrell as Michael Scott, the boss at Dunder Mifflin paper supply company. Pam, the cute and loveable receptionist is engaged to Roy who works in the companies warehouse. Jim, is an employee at the office who is good friends with Pam...sometimes too good of friends. They both like each other, but Pam is engaged, and Jim doesn't want to cause a problem. It is terribly cute watching them together! Dwight is the office loser and loves to suck up to Michael any way he can...he thinks they are best friends. Michael, the office boss thinks he is the funny man of the office. He tries too hard to be his employees friends instead of their boss, and often makes inappropriate comments or guestures that always get him in to trouble. Along with some other characters, this show really is hilarious. If you like silly and ridiculous humour check it out! I think right now I am in love with Jim-he looks nerdy but he really is adorable! Jim and Pam together are enough incentive to watch the show! Even ask Stephen...he loves Jim:)

Party Pictures

2007-01-10T22:22:00.000-06:00

Maegan decided to put her hand infront of the camera while I took the picture...
Scrapbooking kit from my Mom & Dad...I am SO excited!

Maegan and Stephen modeling their gifts
Seroiusly...this was SO good
I told them not to look stupid...so much for that

A little of this and that

2007-01-10T08:29:00.000-06:00

It is currently blizzarding outside. It looks terrible...lots of blowing snow and wind. I am the only one at work right now, usually people start showing up by now, but the bad weather probably means I might be the only one here for a couple of hours! Tomorrow it is supposed to drop in temperature to -25 for a high! ughh....January weather is finally upon us. I was beginning to think we were being spared, but boy was I wrong!

Maegan left for Australia yesterday...it was a tough day for me. I am going to miss her so much, but I know God has his hand on her and is guiding her through all of her crazy adventures! God just has some plans for our family this year that are taking us all apart, which is really hard for me to understand, but I know he knows what he is doing. Saying goodbye to someone is never easy and thinking of not seeing Maegan for a year makes me want to cry(believe me, I cried my fare share yesterday!), but I know that we will make lots of memories on the phone together:) She is totally where God wants her to be, and for me that is what matters.

Before Maegan left, we were able to celebrate all the January birthdays together. Stephen's birthday is on the 7th, mine is on the 13th and Maegan's is on the 24th. I have some pictures of the momentous occasion, but have not had time to put them up. Hopefully by today I will have those up for your viewing pleasure!

We are definitely back into the swing of things. This week youth starts back up, as well as Fuse on Saturday night. It will be nice to get back into our routine. After a lot of holiays and sleeping in, it always takes my body time to adjust back to "real life". I am excited for the things God has in store for Stephen and I this new year, as well as for our Youth Group and ministry at Cornerstone Church. I really want to work on making things count this year. Making my actions count, my thoughts...everything that I do, I want it to have a purpose. I want to work on having a joyful attitude always, and most of all I want to work on trusting God more this year than I ever have before. Trusting him with everything in my life. I suppose I see all the things already that God is going to be teaching me, and I want to do well at listening to him and obeying him. I want to grow...

Hope all of you here in SK are surviving the storm out there! Stay warm:) Check back for pictures later today.

Vancouver-3...Calgary-2 WE WON

2007-01-06T22:52:00.000-06:00

After a long awaited arrival, Stephen, Mom, Dad and I made our way to Calgary to watch the Vancouver/Calgary game on January 2nd. Although the drive was long (and terribly boring! WOW it is flat), it was well worth it. The game was a blast! We met a lot of really crazy Calgary Flames fans, all of which resented us and the fact that we were cheering for the Canucks! It didn't help that we were wearing our jerseys:) We got yelled at a few times, but thankfully we didn't have to prove ourselves, the Canucks did that for us! We won, and Dad's team lost! haha He was out numbered 3-1, what was he thinking anyway! We ended up meeting up with some friends from Calgary who were also at the game afterward at Moxies for dessert.

Hopefully we can take in many more NHL games, I am definitly hooked now!....GO VANCOUVER GO!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

2006-12-30T23:36:00.000-06:00

Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year! We trust that you have had a wonderful Christmas remembering Christs birth, and making memories with your families:) May this New Year bring much joy! God Bless

Christmas Day!

2006-12-30T23:22:00.000-06:00

Christmas Morning-looking a little tired!
Maureen and Julia
Mr. & Mrs. Clause

David's face after he saw his Christmas gift from Stephen and I-an N64 with his favorite game, Mario Kart:) Doesn't he look happy! haha

Mama T:)

Christmas cracker hats-very stylish and trendy

Christmas in Caronport-Christmas Eve

2006-12-30T23:14:00.000-06:00

Singing in Regina in the Choir at Stephen's Grandparents United Church
Christmas Eve Service-David and Jeremy
The ladies:)

Christmas Eve was a crazy day for us! We drove to Regina in the morning for a 9:30AM rehersal with the United Church choir (don't we look great in our robes!). After singing and taking part in the service, we had lunch at Grandma and Grandpa Quinns house with all the relatives. Dave and Maureen arrived that afternoon from the airport in Regina and then we had a quick drive back to Caronport to star in the Christmas Eve Service there! The whole family took part and sang christmas carols. To say the least..it was a very eventful singing day!

Christmas in Caronport-Gingerbread House Day!

2006-12-30T18:21:00.000-06:00

Erin hard at work making the icing

Cool shot of the soon to be 3D trees

Assembly of the Gingerbread House

Close up of the finished product

Group shot with the Gingerbread House-proudly named "The Invasion of the Gummie Bears"

Our second day in Caronport consisted of working on making a Gingerbread House from scratch! It was so much fun, and amazingly enough, nothing broke! It all stuck together really nicely. Our favorite part was the stone chimney covered in smarties:)

Christmas in Caronport 2006-December 21, 2006

2006-12-30T13:50:00.000-06:00

Jeremy and Erin enjoying some Tim Hortons
Erin, Julia and I
Brotherly/Sisterly love:)

And so our trip begins...I will be going in somewhat chronological order so that you can follow our fun filled vacation. This was the first day we arrived, we hung out in downtown Moose Jaw and did some shopping while the boys went test driving big trucks! We topped it all off with Tim Hortons, as Jeremy and Erin don't get to stop there often because they are from Nashville. Us Canadians need to take pride in the few things that Americans don't have! Go Tim Hortons!

My blog got a face lift

2006-12-29T15:57:00.000-06:00

So I finally decided to switch over the new and improved blogger...which is apparently kept telling me to do for some time now, but I just haven't. This time around, it was as easy as two steps! ONLY TWO!

Hopefully from now on, it will be much easier to add pictures, as lately I've been having such a hard time with that!

Our Christmas pictures will be coming soon with much more of an explanation!

A few more Reid xmas pics

2006-12-19T07:17:00.000-06:00

I totally surprised Stephen this year....WITH TICKETS TO A VANCOUVER CANUCKS/CALGARY FLAMES GAME!!!! My mom and I totally pulled one over on Stephen and my Dad and we have all the arrangements made to go to the January 2nd game. Stephen could not have been more shocked! He LOVED the gift...its all he can talk about. YES...good wife points for me! hahaha

The blogging continues! REID FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2006!

2006-12-19T00:38:00.000-06:00

Stephen and I are having Christmas with his entire family this year in Caronport, therefore we had to do some strategic planning when it came to getting together with my family to work something out. Today was our family Christmas. We were all commenting that it was actually kind of fun to have Christmas early this year instead of on Christmas day.

This year was a little different with our family. We decided to only buy one gift for everyone, so we drew names from a hat. It actually was really fun, and great to be able to put so much thought into one gift! Instead of spending money on each other, we put that money towards sending gifts through Canadian Food for the Hungary to less fortunate families in Africa. We were able to send two family packages, an Agri Combo that provides one family with a pig, 4 rabbits and fruit trees and seeds to plant! How awesome! The other combo we were able to get was a Family Combo which will provide another family with medical coverage for a year, school supplies and money for their kids to go to school and also some fruit trees and seeds to plant some great gardens! It is so much better to give than receive, and I really have been feeling that this year.

It was a really fun night, and will most definitly be treasured as times to get together will be far and few between from now on! I just love my family! I hope they know that.

I took some pictures of the night. Maegan and Jordan kept telling me to stop taking so many pictures! haha I didn't care! You can NEVER take too many pictures!

Artsy pic...this is actually my tree at home

My beautiful parents!

My surprise...my dad built me this really cool shelf, he also built my mom one too. They are built out of old doors that he got...I need to finish it and paint it! I love it!

Jordan's surprise funny gift...he actually got some really sweet snow boarding pants...but Mom and Dad gave him these ones first...he actually liked these ones too! Hot jord....bright purple! My dad accidentally bid on them on ebay and ended up winning them...haha Its a great joke among our family

Cornerstone Staff xmas party continued...

2006-12-19T00:26:00.000-06:00

Kathy apparently doesn't like getting her picture taken
Something must have been funny-Mom, Dad and Sonja
Pretty much the cutest dog in the world-Venom
Another great portrait...Mom looks so thoughtful! I love catching people when they aren't looking!
haha...seriously, could this be a better picture! Jessica is gonna kill me!

Christmas Parties Galore!

2006-12-19T00:12:00.000-06:00

Just thought I would post some pictures of our Christmas Party Extravaganza lately. On Thursday we had our Jr. High xmas party at Ruckers:) Saturday day/night we had skating and turkey dinner with our Snr. Highs. On Sunday we had Stephen's staff Christmas party with all of the church staff, which was a blast. There are some pictures from that event...I went a little picture crazy! I just love my new camera! Its been so much fun:) Enjoy!

Mom and Sierra tobogganing at Pest Hill

Maegs and Dad

I LOVE this picture of Dad...he looks so handsome-my camera takes such great portraits

The Gieck family-minus Judith

Judith loving tobogganing!

Holy Cookie Dough Batman

2006-12-04T22:50:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday our mission to Mexico team set out to Rosthern Youth Farm to make...yes, you guessed it...COOKIE DOUGH! Chocolate Chip to be exact. And seriously...we didn't cheap out on the dough part, there was literally tons of it! We ended up making 16 batches of chocolate chip cookie dough...240 2 lb bags of it...which works out to about 12,000 cookies if we made all of it! We are actually selling the cookie dough for $10 a bag to fundraise for our trip.

It was a whole lot of fun...and a whole lot of mixing and getting really greasy! Here are some pictures I captured of the eventful day.

The finished product before being sent to the big mixer to add flour and choc chips

hockey and other random stuff....

2006-12-04T22:41:00.000-06:00

The good ol' hockey game...

Puma's

I love these portraits...the new camera takes awesome ones! (Maegan-my sis)

Another portrait of Jenna

Here are some pictures I took while testing out the camera...I still haven't gotten the thing figured out, but what I have found so far is pretty cool! Enjoy!

New Edition to the Family...

2006-12-04T22:34:00.000-06:00

I am now the proud owner of the Canon Powershot S3IS Digital Camera! My awesome hubby totally surprised me this past week and came home with an early Christmas gift. Mostly because he wanted me to learn how to use it before we go for Christmas so I can take some awesome pictures!

I am so excited becuase lately I've really been enjoying taking pictures...finding cool shapes/colors..things to shoot. The next 2 weeks I will be pouring over the manual and asking anyone and everyone about what works and doesn't.

The camera has had great reviews...and so far I've found it pretty easy to use. It is a lot different than our other Canon Camera...as it is much more "high tech":)

Looking forward to posting/sharing some cool pics from the new camera! Hopefully they get better over time as I continue to learn more.

West Ed. pics are now here!

2006-11-30T08:50:00.000-06:00

Austin and Carter...seriously, there were like 6 other bags besides those ones..and they ate them all!

Beautiful Girls! Taylor, Tyra, Laura, Anna and Hannah and Maegan

Those would be the crazy grade 6 girls and David:) This was our van...oh the fun times!

Grade 7 girls with Cheryl:)

And there you have it folks...thankfully we are all back in one piece:)

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2006-11-28T10:11:00.000-06:00

Its snowing outside, AGAIN:) Which is alright with me, because I will be spending the afternoon at home in my cozy house doing some laundry and baking some Christmas shortbread cookies. I can't wait:)

I figured it was time for an update of some sort. I feel like much has happened, but at the same time a lot hasn't. I guess my heart and mind feel like it has been racing and thinking...and over thinking.

Last week we got a call from my uncle letting us know that my Grandpa George went to the doctor for some pain that he was having, and they discovered cancer on one of his kidneys. Talk about a low blow. I was devastated, and still am. Many of you don't know...but I just met my Grandpa for the very first time last year in October...almost a year to the date. My Grandpa George is my father's real Dad, and because of many complicated situations in the past, they had not seen each other for almost 23 years. Its hard to understand what God wants to teach us or learn out of difficult situations like this. I want to be upset, but I know this isn't God's fault...I just continue to pray that my Grandpa will recover 100% and most of all find Jesus in this situation. I am SO grateful that we got the chance to meet Grandpa before this happened...what an answer to prayer. Please pray for George...he needs salvation and healing.

My aunt also has breast cancer which has moved into her pelvis and back...my Dad's sister. It doens't look like she will be able to recover...so they are looking at the quality of her life now while she is still here. You just have to keep telling yourself that God has this whole thing under control...

Our computer died last week as well...(part of me just has to chuckle knowing that God plans these things to happen all together, becuase he wants to see how I handle them!). So I'm updating from work right now. The plan is to purchase a laptop this go around in the new year...after we have the car paid off.

In other news...we just got back from our annual Jr. High West Edmonton Mall Retreat on Sunday. Three crazy, high energy filled days with 18 junior highers. It was nuts...but so much fun. I am reminded of how care free that age is...sometimes a little too much as they forget there are other people besides them in the world:) haha But they just love everything and are so excited about the little things! We didn't lose anyone, no injuries on the rides or the waterpark, and almost all the kids even had money left for their last few meals (although some got a little carried away shopping and had to borrow!). God answered our prayers with safe travel and safety in the mall. I dare any of you to spend 10 hours in West Edmonton Mall with 4 grade 6 girls:) I have some pictures...but blogger won't cooperate. So I will post them later.

Amazingly enough...I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done and even some gifts wrapped! Stephen and I put up the tree last week...I will post some pictures of that as well! I am really enjoying being able to do my own things for Christmas...buy decorations and bake christmas goodies! Its been so much fun for me:)

I hope you all have a wonderful week....enjoy the snow!!!

One Proud Sister

2006-11-07T14:36:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to congragulate my little sister Maegan in her very first and very successful art show/auction! Meagan put her art on sale for the very first time in hopes of raising some support to go back to Australia to eventually work for YWAM in Brisbane. The picture above is one that Stephen and I won at the auction...it is titled "Curve" and is done in charcoal. She did such a great job on all the pieces and I just wanted you all to know how proud of her I am!
I love you Maeg:)

Follow Up

2006-10-27T09:55:00.000-06:00

Things have been a million times better this week. Sometimes you just have to tough through those hard weeks and know that a better week is ahead of you.
The eye infection that I had has now dissapeared, and although it isn't a %100, its about %95, and thats pretty great to me! I can't believe it took almost two weeks to heal. Patience is definitly not a virtue for me, so there were lots of lessons to be learnt. God sure does have a funny way of teaching us...an eye infection? ughh..i hope not again!

Stephen left for a class this past Sunday in Caronport at Briercrest Bible College. So, I've been hanging out at home alone for the past five days. It has had its lonely moments, but I think it was really good for me to be able to spend some time alone by myself to just think and pray. God really took care of me and calmed my fears of being home alone, as that always is hard for me. ( I always let my mind wander a little too far when I'm home alone at night and listen much to intently on all the little noises...I'm sure some of you can relate!)

Today is going to be a great day...I get to go pick up cinnamon buns during work and eat them(yum!..there really is nothing better than a cinnamon bun!), and then I get to pick up Stephen!

Enjoy your weekends, and take some time to rest and relax. Thanks for your prayers:)

Crummy Week

2006-10-19T09:43:00.001-06:00

Its been a terrible week for me. At least from my perspective. I'm struggling with trusting God and that he wants the best for my life. I'm struggling with fear, and worry. I'm struggling physically. I've been sick since September on and off with cold, and various other things. This past weekend I contracted a really bad eye infection and then on top of that I received another cold this week. So many times I have just felt like giving up. Throwing in the towel. I have thrown up my hands a few times and cried out to God and asked him "WHY??". Frustration has set in, and I hurt those around me because of my bad attitude and negativity.
I happened to open this little devotional today...not the page it should be for today, but for one earlier and I started to read it. It talks about how God is good, but life can really suck sometimes, physcially, emotionally, spritually. You name it, it's gonna suck. This line really caught me..."Pain always tries to shrink my world to the immediate, but faith lifts my eyes to see the big picture. In spite of the pain."
I turned to Pslam 91:
" He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

If you think of it, please keep me in your prayers this week. That God would heal my eye, that he would heal my heart and the fear and worry that I have.

RED

2006-10-13T14:30:00.000-06:00

I came across this today and wanted to share it with you all if you haven't heard. Today is the official U.S. launch of (RED) a foundation started by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for the global fund by teaming up with the world's most famous brands (the GAP, iPod, Motorola, American Express, Converse) to produce (RED) branded products. A Percentage of each product sold is given to the Global Fund. The money helps women and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Check out their official website www.joinred.com.
What a great concept and a great way to make a difference.

Oprah and Bono kicked off the event:)

Thanksgiving Fun

2006-10-10T07:23:00.000-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving at home this year with my parents and brother and sister. It was great fun, and great food as always! Mom is the best cook:) Here are just some pictures of the event.

Stephen and I watching the Canucks game!

Dad being silly

Meagan and I also being silly:)

Mom's pumpkin pie-the best ever

My pumpkin pie all eaten-SO GOOD!

Two beautiful ladies

What Dad does best...nap

Brandy!

Family picture (you have no idea how long this took to take, my family can be a little difficult at taking pictures sometimes!)

I love you Roberto Luongo! (this one is for you Stephen!)

2006-10-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to let you all know that the Canucks KICKED BUTT last night against Detroit, 3-1 baby!! I'm pretty sure my husband has finally worn me down...I have become a die hard Canucks fan. Not that I wasn't a Canucks fan before, I've cheared for them ever since I was a little kid. But now its like I've become, for a lack of better words, OBSESSED!!!
Roberto Luongo is pretty much my hero, and arguably the best goalie in the NHL! And I quote from the Canucks website,

"The other story was narrated by Roberto Luongo, who stopped 27 of the Red Wings’ 28 shots. The big netminder made the save — correction, the play — of the game in the dying minutes of the first period, snatching Henrik Zetterberg’s sure-goal out of mid-air during a dangerous Red Wings power play."

Can't wait for more games this season! Luongo is gonna kick all of your butts! Go Canucks Go!

Made to Worship

2006-10-03T10:18:00.000-06:00

I can't get this song out of my head lately. It has spoken to me in a way I didn't anticipate. I hear it and I sing along to it and I can't stop smiling. It definitly makes me see a little bit more into the heart of God and why he made me. He is so amazing!

Made to Worship-Chris Tomlin (from his newest CD "See the Morning")

Before the day

Before the light

Before the world revolved around the sun

God on high

Stepped down into time

And wrote the story of His love for everyone

He has filled our hearts with wonder

So that we always remember

You and I were made to worship

You and I are called to love

You and I are forgiven and free

You and I embrace surrender

You and I choose to believe

You and I will see who we were meant to be

All we are

And all we have

Is all a gift from God that we receive

Brought to life

We open up our eyes

To see the majesty and glory of the King

He has filled our hearts with wonder

So that we always remember

You and I were made to worship

You and I are called to love

You and I are forgiven and free

You and I embrace surrender

You and I choose to believe

You and I will see who we were meant to be

More Fall pictures...

2006-10-02T07:25:00.000-06:00

This last week, my Mom and I went for a walk down by the river. What a beauitful day it was outside! Here are just a few pictures I took of the day.

Random pic of Maegan and Julia before the walk
Mom holding a leaf with awesome colors

Our shadows!

View of Saskatoon
Mom lookin' hot!
Artistic pic

Beautiful Fall

2006-09-27T14:16:00.000-06:00

I decided to take my camera to work this morning, and then on my way home I took some pictures of the beautiful trees turning yellow and orange! I love fall...it is probably my favorite season for so many reasons. I love when its sunny, but there is a crispness to the air! I love playing in the leaves and watching them turn color. I love getting to wear my fall jackets again, and being able to put on a toque or a scarf and mittens. Fall reminds me of turkey, mashed potatoes and hot apple cider and apple pie. It reminds me of going home, being in a warm house and enjoying the company of my family. I'm so glad God gave us different seasons of the year to enjoy and appreciate. It just makes me realize how creative he is and how he appreciates uniqueness too! Kinsmen Park

This is my favorite church downtown

Just a really pretty yellow tree

My office where I work everyday!

JR. High Oreo Night!

2006-09-26T19:51:00.000-06:00

I just had some time tonight to post a little something. Last week on Thursday our kickoff for Jr. High Youth was an Oreo Night. It was a blast and the kids loved it! I don't have any pictures, but we made the kids dig for Mini Oreos in chocolate pudding! It was hilarious. Enjoy!

My team...unfortunately we didn't win:(

Oreo Pirate:)

The kids ready to do some relays

Tyson..hahaha what a great kid!

Playing games in the loft-so much fun!

The grand prize for the winners...Oreo Blizzards!!! YUMMY

Kadesh 2006!

2006-09-26T07:30:00.000-06:00

Stephen and I survived our very first Youth Retreat as Youth Pastors:) It was a blast and although it rained the entire weekend, we ended up having a great time and getting to know each other a lot better. Just a few pictures of the fun times up at Kadesh this year. I'm so excited to be hanging out with these kids this year! I love them each dearly and am excited for what God has in store for each of them!

Kristan, Jenna, Maegan, Me & Carissa-The Youth Leader Girls!

Stephen & Morgan-don't they look like they are dating in this picture! haha

Morgan, Jenna & Jackie being wierd!

Carissa & I

Yah for actions in songs!

Just hanging out in the chalet while it poured outside

Alyssa and I:)

Jordan doing what he does best-stupid faces in pictures

More youth girls:)

a special message from stephen...

2006-09-08T12:35:00.000-06:00

Let me start by saying I don't do this. I don't blog. Never really been my thing, and Melissa's doin' a bang up job here, so I'm not gonna intrude with my rookie-blogger mistakes. In fact, I don't even check blogs. Not even ours. Every once in awhile, I'll check in on ours, and be surprised by the thoughtful comments that Melissa has, or see pictures that I didn't even know we took. Turns out my wife is pretty insightful, AND can take a darn good photo, to boot. Often I am blessed or encouraged by the things Melissa says in reference to me, even though she knows the likelihood of me seeing it is pretty low.

But in my few forays into the blogosphere, I have noticed a disturbing trend in the comments section of this blog...

And for that reason, unbeknownst to Melissa, I'm hijacking this blog to speak my piece. :)

People have begun taking shots at me and my Canucks. And I don't check, so these mad people have gone unchecked. In fact, Matt blindsided me with a blogger 2x4 with his comments in the Labour Day post, and Janelle... sweet, friendly Janelle got in a not-so-subtle dig at my jersey. And if you thought nothing could get me into blogging, you thought wrong!

And so, I am here to say that, of all the things to bring me to post, it is in defence of my beloved Canucks. And let this be a warning to you all--go ahead and bash them all you want, but it will no longer be easy and without retort (but I guess I shouldn't get too worked up about people who enjoy the Leafs making comments... i mean, c'mon. The Leafs?!?).

I'll be waiting for the next one, ready to pounce like Felix "the Cat" Potvin. Oh wait... he didn't really pan out for us. Who do we have now? Oh yeah, Luongo! (And if you think that was just an excuse to remind everyone that my Vancouver Canucks will be starting Roberto flippin' Luongo in goal on Oct 5th, you're right.)

Long Live The Whale!

Sincerely,
Stephen

Labour Day Weekend

2006-09-05T07:26:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we took all of our youth leaders for this next year up to the town of Shell Lake to hang out, have fun and just pray and teach over this next year. It was such a blast and a great time together. Just a few pictures from the weekend.

God's Blessings

2006-08-29T09:27:00.000-06:00

Just thinking about the many blessings in my life this morning. Remebering how God has answered my specific prayers this past year, and has blessed me with what I asked him for. Realizing that I don't deserve the amazing life that I have been given. Thinking about all the reasons why I should be thankful TODAY. The sun is shining, my sister is home safe, my family is healthy!, I have food to eat when I get home, I have a house to live in and a bed to sleep, I have a job and the opportunity to work, I have the love of a wonderful man and an amazing family, I've found Jesus and the grace and hope that he has given me.
For some reason, God allowed me to be born into a country that is safe and gives me the right to worship my God. For some reason God has blessed me with material riches that others may never see in their life. I am beginning to realize that these gifts I did not earn, but were given to me as just that, a gift. I am reminded daily that I need to appreciate those things that I often take for granted and recognize that I am fortuante. I am undeserving, but God continues to bless me.
Lord, help me to use those things that you have given me as a gift to honor you. Help me to not appreciate them more than I appreciate you.

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalm 40:5

Happy Anniversary #1

2006-08-21T13:37:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, August 20th was Stephen and my 1st Anniversary! We spent the day attending a wedding of our good friends Dave and Kathy Redekop. Unbeknownst to me, Stephen stole me away after the reception and took me to the Delta Bessborough downtown to one of their Signature Rooms with such a beautiful view! Champagne and roses awaited me...it was so amazing and made for a perfect first anniversary spent together. We took some great pictures, I'll post them soon!

Stephen-I'm so in love with you! You are such a wonderful man and have so many qualities that I admire. Thank you for being my best friend, it has been so much fun being married to you. Can't wait for the years to come and the adventures that God will take us on. I couldn't have picked a better person to spend my life with.

I love you!

Also-congratulations Kathy and Dave! Double anniversary date sometime??? haha

Ok, seriously this is the last of them!

2006-08-10T22:30:00.000-06:00

We drove up to Panorama for the day and went white water rafting and checked out Panorama Village.

Sittin' in the big chair:)

Invermere Part 2

2006-08-10T22:18:00.000-06:00

Here are some more pictures of our trip to Invermere, these should be the last of them!

Stephen posing with the BC sign! We made it!

Stephen's sister Julia and I at the beach

Julia, me, and Maureen (David's wife)

To Invermere we go...

2006-08-10T07:46:00.000-06:00

Just so that you guys aren't sick of all my pictures yet, here is some more!!! Here is our recent trip number 2 to BC, but this time to visit Stephen's family in Invermere. We left last week on Thursday August 3 and got back on August 8. It was such a great time. If any of you ever get the chance, go and visit there. It is extremely beautiful and so much stuff to do!

Driving through Alberta...I made Stephen stop so that I could take this picture!

On our way to Invermere, BC we decided to stop in Drumheller, AB to check out the Royal Tyrell Museum and see all the dinasours. It was amazing and Stephen and I had way too much fun.

Mr T. Rex!

Scared of Mr. T Rex!

Stephen looking very much like a tourist with the Stegasorous

To be continued...

Summer Recap Part 3

2006-08-09T12:58:00.000-06:00

Cassie and I before going to the salon

Cassie and I after the salon all ready to go!

Cassie got married in this cool barn and they strung lights everywhere! Once it got dark it looked incredibly beautiful! After the wedding, we went straight into the reception and following that had a Hoe Down, with lots of square dancing. We even had our own caller that taught us how!

Summer Recap Part 2

2006-08-09T12:48:00.000-06:00

July 19-24, 2006 On the road again...our first trip to BC for my best friend Cassie's wedding-Stephen being a goof

Never lose this! Our trusty Road Map.

The bridesmaids at the wedding dress rehersal

Cassie and her Dad practicing down the isle

Summer Recap part 1

2006-08-09T07:44:00.000-06:00

Hello again, its been awhile! I've been rather lazy and then lied to you all and said that pictures were coming and I didn't put any on! This past month and a half has been a blur. We've been to BC and back, not once, but twice! And we've been to a wedding, to a dinasour museum, white water rafting, cliff jumping...you name it we did it! Here are a few pictures to start.

Beautiful mountains in Kananaskis! Our humble abode...we camped one night
in Kananaskis, it was so much fun.

Sunny Days

2006-06-26T10:28:00.000-06:00

Good Morning everyone!

Its about time I updated this thing. How lame am I...takes me a month to finally get off my butt and post something new instead of looking at the same old pictures everytime.

I do have a ton of pictures to post that will be coming along shortly this afternoon.

Its been a pretty crazy June. We've been pretty much going full steam until the end of this week. Lots of year end parties, graduations, fundraisers. You name it we did it! Lots of fun and lots of rain to go along with it! I couldn't be happier that the sun has shone these last few days! In the upcoming months there is much happening as well. Stephen leaves on July 1st to go work at the Calgary Stampede for 2 weeks. So I am hanging out in Saskatoon on my own and trying to keep myself busy. I will be babysitting one of the weekends he is gone and volunteering at VBS. Stephen gets home on July 17 and then we leave for Beautiful British Columbia to take part in my best friends wedding on July 22. My first time being a bridesmaid, can't wait:) After we arrive home its back to work for a week and then hopefully off to Invermere for a week to spend time with Stephen's family. Part of me feels like we aren't even really getting a vacation this summer. Hopefully we won't be exhausted going into September but refreshed and relaxed. I've never been one to like being away from home for too long. Don't get me wrong, I love travelling and exploring, but after house sitting for 2 weeks for my parents and then being at home alone for 2 weeks while Stephen is away at Stampede, I think I'm going to be ready to get back into our normal routine. We haven't slept in our own bed for almost 2 weeks now. Nonetheless I feel extremely blessed and taken care of. Although it has been busy and Stephen and I are extremely tired....we know life won't always be like this.

I know everyone probably struggles with this. Trying to find time together, just you and your husband, where you can honestly say you forget about "life" and enjoy each others company. What kinds of things have you guys done to help that? Have you found things or times that work really well? This last year was so busy for Stephen and I that in a really selfish way I felt like we missed the first year of marriage "getting to know each other" part. We were so busy getting to know everyone else in church and getting to know kids that we just forgot about us. We missed out on a lot of things because we didn't have the time to do them. This next year I really want to work on making that time together and being able to say no to things. I'm still learning how to do that:) I just thought maybe some of you who have been married for much longer than me can give me some advice!

There will be pictures...I promise! Hope everyone is well and has a great summer. God Bless!

YC Part Two

2006-05-30T22:54:00.000-06:00

YC Pictures!

2006-05-30T22:29:00.000-06:00

Time with Jesus

2006-05-29T15:36:00.000-06:00

What an amazing God we get the privilage of serving! I feel somewhat cliche for writing about my past weekend at YC Edmonton and trying to explain to all of you who weren't there how wonderful of a time myself and Stephen and our group of kids had. I just wanted to share some thoughts about how awesome God is. How incredibly big and powerful he is and how so often I forget that.

Amongst the business of this weekend, and all the running around with my senior high kids and listening to extremely loud music and jumping up and down and screaming, I was able to meet with God. Or maybe God met with me...I'm pretty sure that was it. He just reminded me of how powerful he was, how big he is, how incredibly amazing it is that he controls everything. Saturday night Chris Tomlin led us in worship. In the midst of worshiping God, I opened my eyes to watch all the 16, 000 other youth leaders and kids across the stadium. Everyone in the entire stadium was holding hands and began to jump together as we were praising God. It was absoultely incredible. I smiled thinking to myself.."only God could orchestrate something so beautiful". God just puts a smile on my face! How great it is to be able to worship him, and I know how much he loves it, because my bible tells me that we were made to worship him and that he loves our praises. All the fear was stripped away this weekend as I was able to humbly come before God and praise him with everything me. He is so worthy of all of our praise and adoration! He loves it when we scream his name, when we lift our voices to him. I was reminded this weekend that I was made to worship God. God made me so that I could praise him. That was the soul purpose for Christ creating me. Nothing else is more important than me living my life to worship Jesus. In those moments when we worship God, there is no other place that we would rather be..it just feels...right. It wasn't about the experience of YC, or the experience with God that I had. I don't want to call it that. It was the fact that God showed me this weekend what eternity with him is going to look like. When I leave this earth, I get the privelage of praising God forever. Worshiping with him in ways that I definitly don't comprehend here on earth. Isn't that SO awesome to think about!

I love God, and I love praising him. I am continuing to learn to get past my fears and whole heartedly engage in worship, wherever I am...not just at YC. What a shame if I let something as silly as worry about what others may think of me than doing what God made me to do!

I just want to say that I love my youth kids, that I love God and that I love what I do as a Youth Leader! Stephen and I are so proud of our youth kids! Thank you guys for letting God work through you and in you. I was a joy to watch you praise God, and I look forward to praising with you in the future and in heaven! You are a great bunch, and it has been such a blessing to get to know you. I love you guys! ( and so does Stephen, I'm pretty sure! hahaha)

And all God's people said, AMEN!
Melissa

Jr. High Youth UnBirthday Party Night!!

2006-05-19T14:37:00.000-06:00

The "Tiki Hut"! We served Pina Colada tasting drinks with umbrellas and everything!

One of the features at the birthday party was Sumo Suits! SO MUCH FUN! Just

one of the kids getting helped into the Sumo Suit for the Sumo relay.

One of our kids in the Sumo Suit ready to fight! All the kids dressed up super great for the night! Lots of Leis and Hula Skirts!
The kids building their forts with huge cardboard boxes. We busted them down 5 minutes after this with water balloon launchers! We all got soaked!
A birthday isn't a birthday without presents!!
All the girl youth leaders enjoying our Pina Coladas!
Carissa and I before the big night started looking very Hawaiinish:)

It is that time again...

2006-05-19T13:41:00.000-06:00

Time for me to tell you more random facts about myself. Do you want to know why I am going to tell you some more random facts about myself??? Becuase this day could not be going any slower, and I am SO bored at work with hardly anything to do. I finished most of my work in the morning, so I'm trying to find some things here and there to do. I guess this is one of them.
My apologies if anything is doubled from my previous post, I guess it just means it was that important in my life!

Random Facts about Melissa PART 2:

I knocked my sister's two front teeth out while jumping on our trampoline when we were younger. They looked like chicklets bouncing on the trampoline. I love rollerblading, but my husband thinks rollerblading is for fairies. Whatever that means. I am currently on the 6th season of friends now, last time I wrote I was on the 4th. I've made good progress:) I keep having dreams that I'm pregnant...I wonder if that means anything? My favorite ice cream flavor is Bubblegum or Cotton Candy. I am obsessed with things being organized. I probably write more than I need to in my "daily planner" (that sounds like I'm in kindergarten or something). I'm pretty sure I STILL check the weather every morning. I always have this problem with feeling like I forgot to lock my door after the end of the day when it is parked in the garage. My husband has had to go check its bugged me so bad!! I love riding horses, but I never get the chance. Today I sat outside by the river for lunch. I hate pizza pops...they are sick. I hate the color of yellow on any vehicle. I'm not a big fan of spearmint anything. I acutally gag when I taste it...BUT, coincidentally enough I just realized that my toothpaste for the last few months has been SPEARMINT!! My husband just notified me last week...I refuse to use it anymore. I think my husband has neater writing than I do. I've always wanted to travel to Venice and ride on one of those boats. (that is in Venice right?). I have tried liking wine, but I just can't. My mom never let us watch Smurfs on TV when we were little, or Carebears..its a crying shame I know! My mom and I share clothes all the time, its great! I just made my first shirt ever without my Mom's help (ok, she helped a little bit!). My dad hid under my bed one time to scare me, and then grabbed my feet when I walked into my room...I was so scared I ran upstairs crying. I was acutally in grade 12 when this happened. He likes to tell this story a lot...I want to hit him everytime he tells it:) Funny thing is, I was afraid of that exact thing happening all my life. What a great dad I have;) haha I think pregnant women look beauitful. I think I might be obsessed with buying baby clothes when I ever have a baby. You know those signs outside churches that are super cheezey...I really don't like those. My favorite flowers are probably peonies or sunflowers. I'm waiting for my peonie bush at my house to bloom, I can't wait! I love rollercoasters. My husband actually gets sick on them...haha I always make sure to point that out...becuase I think its funny. I'm a little freaked out by birds. The little sparrows and robins are ok, but all the other ones look possessed or something. I love coconut anything! I really really love latin music. Its a small obsession that I have that not many people know about. I guess now you all will:) I would LOVE to actually learn how to Salsa. Someday. I took a line dancing class with my Mom and Sister...it was a bunch of "older" ladies (of course that doens't mean you Mom!!) and my sister and I. It was great fun! So now I really DO own a newer volkswagon, and its silver not black and it definitly does have a sunroof! Its fabulous and I love it. This one time...I accidentally jammed a conductors wand into my ear (don't ask) and lost my hearing for a little bit. It came back! But I'm so lame. I always thought it would be fun to be a post man or woman..whatever you want to call it. I love the smell of Lilacs...the really dark purple ones are the prettiest. I love camping....but I don't like sand in the sleeping bag, or the mosquitos.

Alright...I guess you have to end somewhere...I'm actually falling asleep at my desk! It was a long night last night...but TONS of fun! Pictures to come of our Jr. High Youth Hawaiin Unbirthday night! Have a great long weekend everyone!

Random pics in the new car!

2006-05-14T22:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Mothers Day!

2006-05-14T21:53:00.000-06:00

This one is for you Mom! I love you and appreciate you more than you probably know! It has been incredibly special for me this year to start to build a different kind of relationship with you. We have turned into wonderful friends, and I couldn't be more excited about that. Thank you for all the time you have put into me and continue to put into me. You are so much fun!!! I love laughing with you, and sharing common interests with you! I love learning from you. You are such a wonderful teacher! I love how trustworthy you are, how much of a listener you are, and how humble and obediant to God you are. You are such an example to me. I think of you often and smile, because I can't imagine my world without you. You have become one of my best friends, and I look forward to all the many memories we will make together and all the great "teachable" moments that will come through them! I hope you were blessed today Mom! I LOVE YOU!
*Seriously people..if you don't know this woman, you should get to know her. She is fantastic!

New Addition to the Family!

2006-05-08T14:15:00.000-06:00

So..we have some very exciting news from the Thiessen's! Meet Mr Volkswagon Passat:) The newest addition to our little family! We just purchased our very new, and very nice 1999 Volkswagon Passat, fully loaded, Turbo, leather interior, with a sunroof and a 6 cd changer, power lock and power windows..AND...AIR CONDITIONING!!!

We said goodbye to my very first car I had ever owned, the red Volkswagon Golf (1992) and traded it in for our lovely silver Passat. It is somewhat crazy how this all came about, and definitly is SUCH a gift to us that this happened. Very much a God thing. If any of you want the full story, just ask!

Stephen and I are looking forward to much cruising this summer, especially now that we have Cruise Control, man's best friend!!!

*That is our humble abode in the background..the cute white house with the blue trim:) Just in case you all were wondering

Surprise Road Trip!

2006-05-01T07:40:00.000-06:00

Julia and her friend Shelby in their Brazilian Tutus just before they went on to do their pointe dance "La Pointe"
Me and Julia:)

Being silly and playing games!

Julia and I right before she went to dance! They won first in their pointe group!

This weekend could not have been more fun! I was able to surprise Julia, my sister in law and come to watch her dance in her dance competition. She had NO idea I was coming, so it was so awesome to see her reaction. I got on the bus right after work on Friday and got into Moose Jaw at about 8:30, just in time to see Julia's ballet group dance. They all looked so beauitful in their red dresses and they did such a good job, good enough to get them first! I was able to surprise Julia right before she went on to do her performance! It was so fun!

We had a great weekend. Julia did such a great job, and it was such a joy to watch her! It is one of my favorite things. We got to hang out and watch some girly movies (The Wedding Planner, so good!), and sit outside and suntan and read. It was great to spend time with her and I can't wait to do it again! Love ya Julia!!!

My TOP TEN

2006-04-24T09:50:00.000-06:00

I have been tagged by Kim to name my top 10 things that make me happy and give me pleasure.

Here are my top 10 in no particular order:

1. Cuddling up in bed and falling asleep with my husband next to me.
2. When my husband goes to grab my hand and holds it while driving in the car.
3. Laughing and singing really loudly with my sister (I miss you Maegan!)
4. Watching Americas Funniest Home Videos with my family on a Sunday night!
5. Laying outside suntanning while drinking iced tea and reading a good book.
6. Watching flowers grow and bloom.
7. The ocean. I love listening to it and watching the waves crash. I could walk up and down beaches forever.
8. Watching Stephen's sister Julia dance ballet. It is so beautiful!
9. Hearing my husband tell me that I am beautiful.
10. Watching my family grow together and love each other and care for each other. They really are the greatest parents and brother and sister I could ever ask for!

2006-04-17T12:03:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling a little discouraged today. Basically just really bummed out about some stuff that has gone on at my work. I need some encouragement and prayer today.

I am trying to stay positive and know that there is a reason for everything, and I keep thinking of that verse in Jeremiah, one of my favorite ones:

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God's got plans for me, even if I don't see them now. Even though Iwant things to go a certain way at work, he might have other ideas. Hopefully I can just let go and be able to let God take my worries and cares.

I hope you all had a great easter! I most definitly did. It was very relaxing. More to come about easter weekend later.

Ideas Please!

2006-04-12T09:24:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

Just recently, as I was watching my most favorite show Friends last week, our TV decided to quit on us. Completely shut off and not turn on again. Its a crying shame.
It is interesting though, how this little event has made me realize how much TV I watched. Whenever we came home, we just sat infront of the TV. Whenever I was bored and didn't have anything to do, I would sit in front of the TV, even if there never was anything good on.
So, our TV has been sent away by the good people at Future Shop and will be repaired and sent back in 4-6 weeks. That is a lot of weeks people, and so I need to find something to do with my life while I am at home by myself with not that much to do.
Anyone have any great ideas? Stephen and I have already been out cleaning the yard and stuff, so that will keep us busy for some time. I am also planning on planting some flowers and figuring out what my new flower garden infront of the house will look like. I can't wait!

In other more exciting news...Stephen and I are planning a little get away this weekend:) Can't tell you where or else it woudln't be a surprise and somewhat exciting for us (lame I know, but we gotta try where we can!). We leave on Thursday night and are gone until Saturday! Just the two of us...it is going to be grand! I've been thinking about it all week and getting excited about it. Pictures to come after our weekend of fun and our Easter dinner with my family! I'm bringing the turkey and the dessert!

Did you know that...???

2006-04-07T12:59:00.000-06:00

Random Facts about Melissa:

I used to sleep with my little pillow thatI got when I was first born up until I got married. I also used to have a teddy bear blanket that my friend gave me in grade 12, I slept with that too.
I have a cocker spaniel named Brandy, and she is still alive, I got her in grade 2. That makes her 14 years old, 98 in dog years. I really like her even though she is completely deaf and going crazy. I went on a cruise for my honeymoon to the Carribean. I played with Barbies up until grade 8, sad I know. I was born in Abbotsford, BC. I used to live on Vancouver Island. I also used to live in Grand Forks, BC for 7 years. Look it up, its tiny.

I've been to Australia. I've also been to China. I love travelling. I talk a lot. I've been to a Riverdance show, it was great. I love Kurt Browning and I recently saw him in Stars on Ice, he's even better in real life. I own a Volkswagon Golf and its red. I hope to someday own a newer Volkswagon Golf, but I want that one to be black with a sunroof. I used to own a trampoline. The trampoline broke when my dad jumped through it. I've never been a bridesmaid, just a bride. I have a pierced nose and belly button.

I love my little basement suite in Saskatoon. I love that I have a really cute grocery store near by, its called the Lucky Dollar. I enjoy decorating. I love when things match, and they must always match. I have over 50 pairs of underwear. I just threw out 20 because they were getting old. So that technically means I had about 70. I love lemon anything. I baked my first turkey this last year and it turned out really good. I LOVE watching Americas Funniest Home Videos, it is one of my favorite shows. I cry everytime I watch Extreme Home Makeover and A Baby Story.

I have a Mom and Dad and one brother and a sister. My brother and sister are both younger than me, I am the oldest. I am married:) My husband is amazing and I love him very much. We just got married. We have only been married for just over 7 months. I am an administrative assistant. I work for a computer consulting company. I love my job. I love the view from my window at my job, it overlooks the river.

I am obsessed with Friends. I am currently on the 4th season. My mom never let me watch friends when I was growing up. Now I am watching all of them. She doesn't know. I've been in one car accident and it wasn't my fault. I was rearended, and my car was totalled off. We bought it back, and now I still have my red Volkswagon. We just recently got a hit and run. Someone hit my Volkswagon's bumper and ran away. Jerks. Now we have a new bumper, after the first one didn't fit.

I love suntanning. I don't enjoy tan lines. I enjoy being oustide. I know how to barefoot water ski. I don't enjoy walking in seaweed and I am deathly afraid of it. I always used to think when i went swimming that a fish would come up and bite my foot. My dad used to put me in the dryer when I was little just for fun. My sister and I both got our tongues stuck to our swing set in the winter when we were little one time. My tongue got stuck after I saw that hers was stuck. Don't ask. I met my husband at a basketball tournement. I went to Briercrest Bible College for a year after high school, my husband also ended up going there. We are NOT a Bible School couple...we met BEFORE Bible School. Just to make that clear.

I love clothes and I would spend a lot of money on them if I had it! I used to love baking fancy cakes when I was little. I never owned an easy-bake oven. My family used to own a hot tub. Someday I want to own my own motorbike and get my bike license. My Mom and Dad own a Harley Davidson. I hate driving by myself at night. I get really bored driving alone.

I've been stuck on the side of the road with my car more times than I can count. I used to want to be a SnowBird pilot. I still love the Snowbirds. I was a really good student in school, some might have called me a keener. My favorite subject was Math. I hated English. My husband got the Governer Generals Award in grade 12, now THAT is what I call a keener. My dog had a litter of puppies only once, 3 boys and 3 girls, and all the boys died. My cat just got put down becuase he was sick. I cried.

I've gotten head lice before. I loved playing dolls when I was a kid. I was always the Mom, my sister was the Dad. I used to pretend to breast feed my babies when I was a little girl( I can't believe I'm telling you all this!). I have this thing for Orlando Bloom, and also Matthew McConaughey. I enjoy reading, but when I read for too long it gives me a headache. I usually forget to put a new roll of toilet paper on after I use up the old one. It drives my husband crazy. I love to cook. Before I die, I want to skydive. I used to play music really loud and dance and lip sync to it when I was younger, I still do. Rythem and News was and still is the greatest thing since sliced bread...get with the Rythem! I never really got into the Backstreet Boys. I enjoy making lists, and I follow them. I usually prefer Standard vehicles. I love Cotton Candy icecream(its the best!). I've been to a Bryan Adams concert, and he was fabulous.

I want to have kids someday. If we have a boy, we want to name him Emery. Office Space is one of my favorite movies of all time. I check People.com everyday and love looking at all the pictures of really wealthy people. I played the piano up until I finished my grade 6. I also play the flute. I work as a jr. high and sr. high youth leader for Cornerstone Church. My husband is currently interning there as the Youth Pastor and then only has one more year of school left before he graduates with B.A. in Youth Ministry! I have to make my bed every morning, and the pillows have to be just right. I never wear a watch, not ever. I've been to Disneyland 3 times. My favorite thing to do is hang out with my husband and cuddle on the couch. I love going for walks. My very first job was in Lawson Heights Mall at a leather purse store. My new favorite drink at Starbucks is the green tea frappuchino.

I love pointy toed shoes. I have 2 pairs. I've gotten all of my wisdom teeth pulled out. I tend to try and match my socks with what I'm wearing. My husband and I just bought an iPod, I'm excited. I've never gotten a speeding ticket. I always check the weather every morning and then numerous times throughout the day. I think I got that from my mom. I've always wished that I was a dancer. Stephen's sister is a dancer and she the most beauitful ballerina ever. I work in a coffee shop...some of you may know it, its called Scotts Parable. I love my parents. One of my biggest fears is that one of my family members or husband will get cancer. I fell out of the top bunk of my bed once. One time, my sister and I got in trouble and were sent to our rooms...we brouight the dog with us and cause we were so bored taught her how to do 3 differnet tricks with gummie bears. I used to get spankings. I used to cry when my mom told me that dad was going to give me a spanking and not her.

I'm going to stop now...only because I am super bored and I could go on and on. If I get bored again, you better believe there will be more where this came from.
Enjoy!

Rhythm

2006-03-31T09:13:00.000-06:00

Last night as I led my junior high girls cell group through a Rob Bell NOOMA video, I could not stop thinking and working through what the DVD was talking about. It was profound, yet not at the same time. It was one of those times where I thought I knew about something, but when hearing it for the first time in a new way, it really struck me.

What does a relationship with God look like? Do we really understand what that means? Should we be able to understand?

Have you ever heard someone say something like, "Gas went down today, I just know God wanted me to able to go away this weekend becuase now I can pay for gas". Or how about..."these shoes are on sale, that MUST mean God wanted me to buy them!". Seems silly...but how far do we go in saying that God is involved in our daily lives? If God can help us find shoes on sale, then what about all the famines and earthquakes? Why doesn't God spend more time on those?

Rob Bell asks the question, "What do we believe about God's involvement in our daily lives?"
We obviously know that God is never NOT involved in our every day lives, he is always there, he is always with us. But it got me thinking, are there things that God chooses to be more involved in? Or does he just give us opportunities and we have to watch for those opporunities and make the most of them?

When you think of God, what images come to mind? I thought about this for a long time, and came up with a few things. I think of a gentle sweet Grandpa...one that smiles a lot and loves to spoil his grandkids! I see someone powerful, but loving. Someone who has every right answer, to every kind of question. I think of the best of everything, and that is what God is.

There are some people, who believe that God created the world and now sits back and watches the "show" so to speak. Agnosticism. The belief or concept that God is outside of everything. A God who is somewhere else. The belief that God is there, but only every so often her comes down "here" to earth.

In the Scriptures, they state that God has no form, and he is a spirit, but in most cases we as people liken God to having physical characteristics and describe him in such a way. Being God's "hands" and "feet" or giving him human personification by "he". (Check out Deut 4:15-18).

So how do we even begin to understand how to have a relationship with God, when he is a spirit, with no form. We cannot see him, yet we have faith that he is there. We want to give God those human physcial characteristics becuase that is how we best relate to God. We are human...if he is to be in a relationship with us, we best do that like we do here on earth, with our friends.
This is the part where Jesus comes into play.

Jesus took on flesh and blood, so that he could become like us! So that we can have a better understanding of how to relate to God, of how to be in "relationship" with him.
"Jesus is like God in taking on flesh and blood, and so in his generosity, in his compassion that is what God is like. In his telling of the truth, that is what God is like. In his love, and forgiveness, and sacrifice, that's what God is like. That's who God is. That's how the song goes" -Rob Bell

I think God understood that he needed to send Jesus into this world, not only to save our sins, but for us to be able to physcially see what he is like. For us to be able to understand the things that God is about, and how that relates to US and what we should be doing here on earth. How much easier is it for us to relate to someone who became like us, 100% flesh and blood! To try and comprehend God, well is just plain beyond our comprehension! He is just SO big, and so great. He is will never end and he has always been! Try and grasp your mind around that one! How about how he can be everywhere all at once! It is mind boggling, but amazing.

Rob Bell likened our relationship with God to a song. So if my relationship with God is like a song, what does that look like? What kind of songs do I enjoy listening to? What makes them enjoyable to listen to? The melody maybe, the lyrics, the chords, the way the different sounds of the different instruments play together to form something beauitful. When a song sounds pleasing to our ears, it makes us feel good. Everything seems good and right.
There is always a song playing, and whether we realize it or not that song is written on our hearts. Rob Bell makes a good point, the question isn't whether or not we are playing a song, the question is "are you in tune?"

It makes sense. How often are we out of tune? How often do we do things to make the song, to make our relationship with God, sound and look horrible. (John 4:24). When we are in tune with God we make a beauitful song, that carries everywhere we go. It continually plays for everyone to hear. When we are out of tune, that is also noticed.
There are people out there, who claim to know everythign about Christianity, yet can seem WAY out of tune. But others who know nothing about being a Christian but can seem so in tune? Why is that?

The video asked a really good question, "Can you believe in God and be out of tune with the song? Does it work the other way around? What is more important to Jesus, what we believe or what we do?" Think about it.

So, if God sent Jesus into this world so that we could see the things that Jesus lived out, truth, love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, justice, we need to realize that we can play that song too! We can relate to this, and we can and should do all of those things. We can be like Jesus and live like him. When we do that, we are in tune! We are playing the song to its fullest potential! (John 10:10).

When we live like Jesus, when we are in tune with the song, we are essentially living in a relationship with God.
I just love this analogy. It is simple, yet profound. I want to play a beauitful song, and I want my relationship with God to be beauitful. How do I do this? By living like Jesus, who God sent to earth to show me what living like Jesus looks like!
There are times when I have a hard time understanding God's greatness, and vastness. The fact that he is invisible, that he is SO big that he can be everywhere at once. But to KNOW, that he loved us and cares about us enough to send his son to be an example to us and to show us what God's heart is like, that is truly amazing.

note: much of my thoughts have come straight from the movie and I am re-telling the movie in a sense with my own thoughts here and there.

Me and my Mom

2006-03-16T15:24:00.000-06:00

My mom and I are hanging out together at my house this afternoon...
and I decided it was about time we took another picture of us:) We made
sure to send one off for Maegan! I love you Mom, thanks for hanging out and
watching some March Madness with me!

All by myself...

2006-03-06T10:28:00.000-06:00

Don't wanna be...all by myself. Ok, enough of that lamo song. Sometimes whenever I think about being all by myself that song just automatically pops into my head and plays over and over again.
Well, truth be told, I am all by myself this week. Stephen just left yesterday afternoon for Caronport to take another Modular class at Briercrest College and Seminary. He is staying with his parents and sister, who so conveniently live in Caronport! So that leaves me at home, alone. I always hate when he leaves. I tell myself it gets easier everytime, but I think it just really doesn't. I find it hard to fall asleep at night without him there, I find myself not knowing what to do with myself when I am home alone and he isn't around. I just feel bored...like there is no one there to share everything with. I am looking forward to Friday SO much...except not the part where I have to drive to Caronport in the outrageous amounts of snow. Although I won't exactly be at home alone, as I am spending much of my time over at my parents house this week. My mom and I have big plans to do some sewing...we bought some material last week to make some cute little tops. I am excited to see how they turn out.
I had best get back to work...I miss you sweetie:) Can't wait to see you on Friday, good luck with your class!

Vancouver 2010 here we come!

2006-02-27T08:08:00.000-06:00

Stephen and I are avid Olympic watchers. Every night before bed at around 6:00PM or 7:00PM we would park ourselves infront of the TV and watch CBC until late into the night as they showed all of the Olympic events that went on in Torino that day. We both love the Olympics for numerous reasons. The atheletes stories, the intensity of the races, the pride felt while cheering on your country. It is amazing to me the hardships these atheletes go through to actually get to these olympic games. The funding, the couches, the sports therapists, the training. I have played sports most of my life, but have never come close to what these athletes put themselves through to try and win the gold medal, or silver or bronze. It truly is amazing.
We watched the closing ceremonies last night, and I was somewhat saddened. I kept thinking to myself, what am I going to watch on TV now? It was cool to watch as they passed the Olympic flag over to Vancouver and I couldn't help but get excited! Reality is that in 2010 most of us are only a few days drive away from watching the Olympics live! Stephen and I are already planning on attending and have already decided on the events we really want to see (we have WAY too much time on our hands! haha).
I must say I am proud of my country! 24 medals is the best we have ever done in a Winter Olympic games.
Some of my favorite moments of the Olympics were:
-Brad Gushue and his Canadian men's curling team winning the first ever gold medal in Men's Curling for Canada against Finland!

-Jennifer Hiel winning Canada's first gold medal. Her smile was priceless. What a sweetheart!

-Canadian Chandra Crawford, who basically came out of no where, winning the Gold medal for women's cross country skiing sprint. Her interview with CBC was absolutely the cutest thing I have ever seen. She just looked like a natural.

I hope all of you enjoyed the Olympics, and if anyone wants to road trip in 2010 we definitly should do that!

Have a great week:)

Leaving on a jet plane...

2006-02-22T13:56:00.000-06:00

At the airport...Maegan and her good friends.

Maegan's close up before her departure to the land down under...doesn't she look excited:)

HELP!

2006-02-22T08:40:00.000-06:00

I decided to change my template...mostly becuase my other template went out the window after I tried to add a few things to the sidebar. Funny thing is that I work in an office where all of our employees work with html code...but I have no idea how to make it work on my own blog page!
If any of you out there know how to help me add links to this new page for other bloggers sites that would be most helpful. I added links to my other template, but this one doesn't seem to be working!

Australia bound!

2006-02-20T09:26:00.000-06:00

My little sister Maegan just left yesterday for Australia for 6 months! We all got up at 4:30 and went to the airport to see her off, as her plane left at the ridciulous time of 6:25!
She is still flying actually, and isn't quite there yet. Brisbane Australia is 10 hours ahead of us, so it is actually 2:00AM almost on Tuesday, February 21!
I have been trying to post a little clock on my sidebar so that I can continually remember what time it is there, but I'm having a hard time figuring it out. If any of you have that figured out, let me know! It woudl be much appreciated.
Hopefully later on today I will post some pictures from the airport:)
We love you maegan and are praying for you!

I just don't get it...

2006-02-13T13:53:00.000-06:00

I guess when I first started this blogging business, I really wanted it to be something that would be meaningful to other people. I don't mean that I wanted to change the world, but I told myself before I started that I only wanted to post things that were important to me and would hopefully encourage others and be uplifting.
I has definilty become an encouragement to me as I read about people's struggles and see how they overcome them, or the joys in their lives. I love looking at pictures of families or little babies growing up. To see people become friends over blogs, and encourage each other by comments and discuss important issues is really cool.
I honestly think that blogging can become a nasty habit though too unfortuantely. I've seen it on a few blogs now...people venting and talking about other people negatively, or people writing down every single detail of their day, and posting almost 4 times a day. It astounds me, and I just don't get it. I think blogging can become addicting and takes us away from our priorities. Would any of you agree?
I guess I come from the mindset that if it gets to the point where you are writing about others or things that are happening between people you work with or are just friends with, maybe that should be conserved for a journal instead of an on-line journal for the entire world to see.
Maybe I'm off track here, but I think there are some things that need to just be kept off the blogging world.
Do any of you think that there should be some things left unsaid on blogs, or is it ok to really say everything you are thinking, or can this get us into trouble? I think it most definitly can.
Let me know what you think, I am honestly curious.

Bono at the 45th Annual National Prayer Breakfast

2006-02-07T10:14:00.000-06:00

As I was surfing the net this morning, and reading some regular blogs, I came across this article, www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/bononationalprayerbreakfast.htm
about Bono and his keynote address at the 45th Annual National Prayer Breakfast.
Lately, I have been extremely intrigued by this Mr. Bono fellow. I have always known who he was, but have never paid much attention to his message, which is intriguing but probably controversial to many people out there. I think I'm going to continue doing some research and figure out more about this man, before I say anymore.
Just read the article...it gets you thinking. He has a lot of great points, but he seems wishy washy in saying that God is the beginning and the end and the only true God. He talks a lot about how all religions are good, although he sure does quote a lot of scripture out of the Bible in this address.
I just found it very interesting, and for all those Bono and U2 fans out there, I am sure you will appreciate it!

Remembering the good times

2006-02-06T22:34:00.000-06:00

Just some old pictures I came across from Camp Kadesh. Can't wait for next year...so much fun!
Wasn't that such a fun walk ladies! haha We should make it an annual thing.

I'm finding it hard to find a title?

2006-02-06T09:52:00.000-06:00

Hey all,
It has been much too long since I have posted anything. So long, I can't even find a good title for this blog entry! Lots has been happening in the Thiessen household, let me get you caught up:)
Busy might be the ultimate word choice for our lives...we just keep going and going (you've all seen the engergizer bunny commercial). Youth has kept us on our toes always, and just two weeks ago Stephen spoke at our College and Career service called FUSE (check out my links on the right, the blogsite for Fuse is there). He did a fantastic job, I was incredibly proud of him. He has such a gift.
This past week, Stephen and I almost got hit by an old man, who was lacking any sort of sensible driving skills. God was good and kept us from any harm.
Also this last week, I went into the optomatrist to get my eyes checked out. It wasn't the most encouraging visit, as I have some problems with my vision. My left eye isn't as strong as my right eye, and therefore gets quite tired because the muscles aren't as strong. This makes it difficult sometimes for my eyes to focus on things and they become very sore. I am getting what is called 'prism' in my glasses to help my eyes focus together much easier, and makes much less work for my left eye. The only problem is that my eyes will have to get used to the new lenses. I tried them on in the optomatrist office, and I felt like I was drunk (although to be truthful, I really don't know what that feels like...but I just assume if I was drunk that would be the feeling...everything moving around me and no focus!). My eye doctor says my eyes will need to adjust to the lenses for about 2 weeks and then hopefully by then my eyes will feel much better. Sometimes, there are cases where people can't adjust to prism in their glasses. I am praying (and you can as well) that my eyes adjust acordingly and that this really helps my overly tired eyes and my vision.
In other Thiessen news, I started Yoga:) I know as soon as some of you hear that word, your mind starts wandering to thoughts like chanting, rituals, and just plain wierd stuff. The Yoga that I am currently doing gets together in an church (and when I say church, I mean right in the sanctuary! haha It seems somewhat ironic, i know!) I believe the church is Anglican, but I could be wrong. There are about 14-15 of us that are apart of the group, mostly from the community. I'm going with some of my girlfriends from church, and this past Saturday was our very first day. I really enjoyed it, as I have committed to becoming more flexible! The Yoga we are apart of just focuses on the physical/exercise aspect. Apparently there are different kinds of Yoga, the kind we are doing is called, Hatha Yoga. No meditation, or humming! Lots of stretching and sit ups and strengthening of the muscles. It feels really nice and has made me feel much more energized.

Yesterday, we also had the privelage of hosting a way too much fun Downhere screening party for their new CD that is coming out in May. (May 23 to be exact, go out and buy it...I'm serious, its awesome!). Downhere had more songs recorded than could be put on the CD, so they asked a whole bunch of differnet people to get together groups, and listen to the CD and rate the songs.
We had a blast, and really really REALLY enjoyed the CD. Personally, I think it is some of their best stuff they have ever done. Job well done guys:) If you want to check out Downhere, you can click on the link on the right for their blog. Also go to www.downhere.com to their official website. I can't wait to see the response this new album gets, and I hope you all are encouraged by it.

Superbowl yesterday...yay for the Steelers winning it all. I might have watched the game on the biggest TV I have ever seen in my life. A girl from our church has parents who own a gigantic TV, and its has become quite a tradition that we watch the Superbowl at their house every year. We had a lot of fun and ate way too much food.

Well, I had best get back to doing something productive. Tonight it is grocery shopping:) How many people out there actually enjoy grocery shopping? I'm a little torn on this issue. There are times when I enjoy it, but others when I absolutely would rather do anything else but shop for groceries. Unfortunately because Stephen and I are so busy, we sometimes have to shop in the evenings, and apparently the grocery store forgets that there are people out there like us, so they don't stock anything back up. Numerous times they have been out of things, because we decided to come at 6:00PM instead of 10:00AM. Hopefully tonight we have better luck.

Another Quiz

2006-01-23T09:05:00.000-06:00

[A is for age]: 21
[B is for booze of choice]: I enjoy fun girly drinks every now and then.
[C is for career:] Is what I do now actually considered my career? I'm an administrative assistant...I wouldn't mind making that my career.
[D is for your dog's name:] Brandy...I'm not sure how long she is going to be around for. She is getting old, deaf, smelly, and has no teeth. Poor thing.
[E is for essential items you use everyday:] Deoderant, Redkin shampoo, vanilla lotion from The Body Shop, and my glasses.
[F is for favorite song(s) at the moment:] Bryan Adams anything, right now I have "All for Love"
[G is for favorite games:] Scattegories, take two, the game of life, and guess who.
[H is for hometown:] Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
[I is for instruments you play:] Flute and Piano
[J is for jam or jelly you like:] definitly raspberry is my favorite, and homemade freezer Strawberry jam comes in a close second.
[K is for kids:] hopefully someday, we have some time to wait:)
[L is for last kiss:] this morning after my husband dropped me off for work in the car:)
[M is for most admired trait:] passionate
[N is for name of your crush:] Stephen Mark Thiessen...man he is such a cutie!
[O is for overnight hospital stays:] none, I am extremely blessed.
[P is for phobias:] insects, especially grasshoppers. I am also scared of driving long distances at night...I'm always scared I am going to crash.
[Q is for quotes you like:] Aslan? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good." - Lewis, The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe.
God Grant me the serenity to accept
The things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
~Reinhold Niebuhr
[R is for biggest regret:] speaking before thinking...and letting my big mouth get the best of me!
[S is for sweets of your choice:] pie! I love pie a lot. Also, M&M peanuts are the best.
[T is for time you wake up:] 6:45AM...then we hit the snooze button until 7:00AM rolls around.
[U is for underwear:] I am supposed to let you all know what kind of underwear I have? Only my husband should know that:) sorry!
[V is for vegetables you love:] celery, tomatoes! (wait, that is a fruit...but I still like them!), green beans, corn, and peas
[W is for worst habit:] biting my nails
[X is for x-rays you've had:] my ankle and my shoulder
[Y is for yummy food you make:] homemade pizza and a yummy linguinie pasta with creamy tomatoe basil sauce...
[Z is for zodiac sign:] ...i don't even remember.

Nice Girls Don't Change the World

2006-01-18T10:33:00.000-06:00

My Dad gave me this book a few weeks before I was married this last summer. I clearly remember receiving the book and getting quite emotional because of the words he had written to me in the inside of the cover. He told me to be all that God wanted me to be, and that he believed in me and the woman that God had created.

I picked up the book last night and started up where I had left off. I am horrible at beginning a book and then forgetting about it until months later. I was dissapointed in myself that I had let this book slip away like all the others. It is such a powerful read. Nothing too long, just a few chapters...but it will change your life and get you thinking, I promise.

The book is written by a lady named Lynne Hybels. Lynee is married to Bill Hybels who is the senior pastor of a very large church that many of you might have heard of, Willow Creek Community Church, http://www.willowcreek.org/ . Lynne has also written other books such as Fit to be Tied with her husband Bill, and Rediscovering Church.

I identified with so many of the things that Lynne mentioned in the book. Nice girls, she says, are taught early that serving God means earning God's love and sacrificing oneself to meet the needs of others. Lynne kept living a life that she thought others wanted, what she thought God demanded, and her husband wanted and her kids wanted and her church expected. She finally discovered that she was completely exhausted of pleasing others, of feeling like she had to measure up and she always failed. She was tired of trying to earn God's love.
It just clicked in my head. How many of us have felt this way? I know I have on SO many occasions. I don't measure up. I need to earn God's love and mercy and grace. I need to do better, be a better wife, a better friend a better youth leader. I try to be someone that, truth be told, I am not, because God didn't make me that way.

This book was such an eye opener to me, in realizing that I have made God out to be a harsh and demanding taskmaster. I never realized until reading this book that I didn't fully accept God's love because I thought I needed to be at a certain place in my life to do that. I needed to pray enough, or do enough "good" to be loved.

Lynne so beautifully and so honestly talks about her struggle with trying to live someone else's life and how she learnt to reclaim the gifts, strengths and passions God has given her. We so often think we need to have certain gifts, and forget to use the ones that God has purposefully given us. We spend so much enegry trying to be this woman or that woman and compare ourselves. (I know we all do it ladies, I do all the time!). It is so easy to forget that GOd made us each individually unique. He has a purpose, and we are special. Our gifts are special and we can use them. If you don't know what gifts God has given you, I dare you to find out what they are:) You will be amazed when you just find that place where you fit, where you feel your passion is and you can watch to see how God will use you!
This isn't meant to be a power trip that woman are the only ones that can change the world, go woman go! It is so much more than just changing the world...it is changing who we are, how we think about ourselves. Realizing that God loves us, for everything that we are. That he has given us things that we are good at, and he wants us to shine in those things.
Lynne says at the end of the book, Nice girls don't change the world, dangerous ones do:)
Just read the book..you'll love it!

"I hope you realize how much your family, your friends, your church, your community, and this world needs you. Don't allow who you truly are to be lost, buried, or devalued...what is most trully you MATTERS" Lynne Hybels.

I LOVE YOU BRYAN!!!!

2006-01-12T23:35:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting at the computer right now in awe and maybe somewhat dreaming of THE Bryan Adams...that is correct, tonight on January 12, 2006 Stephen and myself went to see Bryan Adams in concert.
I think we sang his songs all the way home...it was that good! On the ride home, I also learnt some valuable information. Stephen has had some sort of a "man crush" he calls it on Bryan Adams! haha I guess it has been his dream since he was younger to see Bryan Adams in concert...and his wish came true! Thanks to Jer and Erin (thanks guys!! it was so much fun!)...we were able to get tickets as a gift to us. Best gift we've ever gotten, hands down!

Bryan was amazing. For the younger crowd, like myself and Stephen....I'm not so sure Bryan Adams is such a hit, but we both love him nonetheless, I mean how can you not! He is extremely talented and it showed in the concert. Apparently encores to him are like another set of songs enough to make an entire concert! He just wouldn't stop! I don't think I've heard so many great hits one after another...you name it he played it...Cloud Number Nine, I'm Ready, Summer of 69, Everything I do, Cuts like a Knife just to name a few.
I've included some pictures for your perusal:) If you want to go to a show that will knock your socks off and let you hear some quality, down to earth music, Bryan is your guy. Plus he's Canadian which really, you can't go wrong. ( Any Ladies that are 40 out there...I didn't see him wearing a wedding band tonight! Any takers?? hahaha).
What a great night...I just couldn't not write about it!

ps. yup...dyed my hair...I'm a blondie:)

DOUBLE BIRTHDAY!!!

2006-01-12T23:28:00.000-06:00

Stephen received his very first Krispie Kreme hat from his
sister Julia. He definitly plays the part:)

Our "birthday cake"...a yummy apple crisp!!!

Happy Birthday to us! Stephen and I celebrate our birthday's only 6 days apart. He is the older one, and likes to rub it in almost every day that he is older:)
We spent Stephen's birthday (the 6th of January) in Caronport visiting with his parents! It was such a great time, and so nice to see his family! I always love visiting them. Stephen's grandparents even came up for Saturday for his birthday party! We also celebrated my birthday at the same time (mine is January 13th, tomorrow!!!). This coming weekend we are celebrating "our" birthdays together with my family! Lots of lovin' to go around! Here are some pictures from the great event!

TAG...YOUR IT!

2006-01-05T10:17:00.000-06:00

So...apparently you can tag people in the blogging world! Who knew...I sure didn't. But I figure since I' ve been tagged by two people I had better co operate! I've been caught and tagged by both Janelle at http://j-losworld.blogspot.com/ and Karina at http://jasonissocool.blogspot.com/.

So here goes answering these questions I've been tagged with.

7 Things I would like to do before I die:
1. Own a motorbike (preferably a Harley Davidson) and obtain my bike license...were going on the road hunny!
2. sky dive
3. have kids, hopefully 3 or 4
4. travel to Europe...I really want to visit Venice, Italy.
5. buy an old home and renovate it...and then decorate to my hearts content
6. own a brand new vehicle
7. enjoy celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary with Stephen

7 Things I can't do (yet):
1. Play floor hockey (here is the thing...I don't ever want to do it. I can't and that is that.)
2. Speak French fluently. Some day Stephen your going to teach me, and then we can be a bilingual family!
3. Go a day without tidying up my house (I'm a neat freak...its scary)
4. Sew an entire garment or blanket without someone's help. I need more patience!
5. Crochet a touque...someday soon!
6. Draw (If any of you know my sister, she is amazing...I have a long ways to go)
7.

7 Things that attracte me to Blogging:
1. Meeting new people
2. I love looking at pictures...and since blogging is a great way to share photos of your family and friends...I love being able to see what is happening in people's lives visually.
3. Being able to hear people's hearts on issues in their lives and in the world. It is amazing what people will write, but not say out loud!
4. The fact that I can share my heart and maybe hopefully impact someone else.
5. Keeping in touch with people from far away.
6. Knowing that there are people that want to keep up to date with MY life and what is going on.
7. Being able to have feedback where people can comment on what you've written and your thoughts. I think it is a great idea.

7 Things I say most often:
1. I love you!
2. Crap!
3. Stephen, what are you thinking?
4. forsure (I think instead of saying Yes to people I say forsure a lot...is that a bad thing?!)
5. Good Morning/Good Afternoon ESTI, Melissa Speaking
6. Did you want your coffeecake warmed with whipcream? (honestly, I DO get tired of saying this, but I have no choice! yay Scotts Parable)
7. Have you done ________ (insert something differnet everytime) yet Stephen?

7 Books I love:
1. Redeeming Love-Francine Rivers
2. And The Shofar Blew-Francine Rivers
3. Guess How Much I love you?-Sam Mcbratney
4. I love the Bible...but I don't read it nearly enough...its sad really
5. Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury...so good, but made me cry SO much!
6. The Ragamuffin Gospel-Brennan Manning
7. Antonement Child-Francine Rivers

7 Movies I watch Over and Over:
1. Hitch
2. How to lose a guy in 10 days (good one Janelle!)
3. Footloose
4. Home Alone
5. The Incredibles
6. White Christmas
7. The Notebook

7 People I want to join in too (you've been tagged!):
1. Carissa Friesen
2. Patti Friesen
3. Sharee Klassen
4. Chris Unger
5. Michele Richichi
6. Kristan Perpeluk
7. Dan King

Reflections

2006-01-04T08:39:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about what I wanted to write today. I suppose this new year brings in a sense of new beginnings, and a time to reflect upon the things we have learnt and what we want to continue learning.

Instead of writing down a list of resolutions this year, I decided that I wanted to reflect on the things that have happened in my life this past 2005 and talk about some of the lessons God has taught me and how I have grown this past year. I also want to set some realistic goals, things that in my own personal life I want to work towards and grow and develop in my life.

There were many changes that occured in my life in 2005. If any of you know me, change and me don't exactly go hand in hand. God brought into my life a wonderful man who I became engaged to. He brought me through the complicated mess of planning a wedding, and all the while kept me sane! God took us through the journey of finding a place to live, and encountering some hardships along the way with a flooded basement and damaged valuables of ours. I moved out of my parents house and embarked on the adventure of marriage and a life of my own. It proved to be a little hard at first, with many emotions as the change was fairly significant. Many changes took place as my husband and I took on responsabilities like paying for rent, for food, and basically for anything and everything we needed. I was no longer the single care free woman I once used to be. Sharing a life with another person changed my life completely. Starting in September of 2005, I took on the dual role of a Youth Leader in senior high and junior high ministries, which also proved to be a big change for me. In November of 2005 God brought a change to my parents, my siblings and myself as we were introduced for the first time to our Dad's father, and our Grandpa whom we had never met.

There were A LOT of lessons to be learnt in 2005 for me. Actually, more lessons than I think I have ever been given. I kept asking God..."Okay God, whats the deal! Does EVERYTHING have to be a teaching moment! I don't know how much more teaching I can get" haha. And God just said, "Yup".
Whether it was our flooded basement, the hardships with the wedding planning, or our car troubles again and again, or health issues with my mom, or Stephen's brother not being able to make it to the wedding...God just kept whispering in my ear, "Be still and know that I am God". There were times when I didn't want to listen. I wanted to get angry or be hurt or upset. There were times when I was scared and worried and anxious. But God never stopped whispering those words. He was teaching me that I can't control my life. He is all knowing and all powerful and knows exactly what he is doing. He was teaching me to role with the punches. To take everything as it was, and lay it at the foot of the cross, without worry or fear, but just in trust and faith. God was trying to teach me to be still. To be content in his arms, and know that whatever I go through, he will carry me through it.
As I went through the change of becoming a married woman this past 2005, God really taught me a lesson in unconditional love and self sacrifice. I don't know about any of you other married women out there, but once you get married, life is devoted to unconditional love and sacrifice. You just can't get by without it in your marriage. Daily, I must remind myself that everything isn't always about me. In my marriage, God has been teaching me to be sacrificial in everything I do. To think of Stephen before myself ALWAYS. To love him, no matter our differences or the annoyances or the hurt that we can cause one another. God has been teaching me to show love in everything that I do. To glorify God in ALL of my actions in my home and towards my husband.
Something that I think God has been wanting me to learn for a long time is to be able to rely on Christ and not my emotions. Stephen often tells me when I am anxious or upset about something to sit down and ask myself, what do I know as TRUTH. Is what I am feeling right now truth, or just my emotions telling me something that isn't true? It has been extremely helpful as I go through discerning moments where I just need to be able to say, God...you want me to give this up to and I need to do that right now.

There are a few goals that I have in mind for 2006. My goal is to be humble, obediant, faithful, transparent and vulnerable servant of Christ. I want to be more faithful in trusting Christ and his plans for my life, whatever way that may look. My goal this next year is to have more of a servanthood attitude. To be willing to help whenever and wherever, and enjoy doing so. I want to be able to sacrifice things in my life, and ultimately become less selfish.
My goal is to learn how to love my husband the way he needs to be loved. One of my goals also is to pray for my husband more. I don't do it enough.

There are so many more things, but I just wanted to highlight a few.
It is a cool thing for me this year to be able to think about 2006 and what it holds and genuinly be excited about the path that God has for myself and for my husband and I together. I tend to be a pessimist, and so when thinking about the future, I tend to think negatively. I wonder what hardships will happen next, and how I will ever survive. But in these past few weeks I've really been excited to see where God takes me, what things he decides to put in my life to teach me lessons. Undoubtedly they will be frustrating and hard, and stretching my in every direction. But I know that God will be there to carry me through. I know he wants me struggle so that I build my character. And I think I can handle that, and should choose to be excited about the amazing things God is going to do in molding my life.

Christmas Time has come and gone...

2005-12-27T11:24:00.000-06:00

Just some good Christmas times with friends. I miss Christmas already and we had it 2 days ago! enjoy the photos!

Personality Test

2005-12-14T09:19:00.000-06:00

I decided to try out this "Personality Test" that I had found on Sharee's blog. Its pretty crazy how accurate it is for only 3 questions.
*****Your Personality Is******
Guardian (SJ)
You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented.
Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules.You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader.
You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you.A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do.
You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up.In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly.
At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions.With others, you tend to be polite and formal.As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself.
On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

To try the test yourself go to
The Three Question Personality Test
http://www.blogthings.com/threequestionpersonalitytest/

Let me know what you came up with on the test and whether or not you thought it was accurate!